Cairns Esplanade lifeguards today celebrated the signing of a new major sponsor by unveiling their brand new uniform. Local company GBR Helicopters has joined with Cairns Regional Council to ensure the regions beaches and Cairns Esplanade Lagoon’s safety.

“Today, we have finalised the sponsorship deal, which will provide a major boost to our professional lifeguard service,” Mayor Val Schier said. “Thanks to GBR Helicopters, our lifeguards are looking good in their new uniforms and have the funding they need to continue to operate at a high standard, keeping our lagoon safe.”

Lifeguards regularly patrol eight beaches within the Cairns Region – Port Douglas, Ellis Beach, Palm Cove, Clifton Beach, Kewarra Beach, Trinity Beach, Yorkeys Knob and Holloways Beach – as well as Bramston Beach during school holidays, Green Island and the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon.

At the lagoon, during the period from July 2010 to May 2011, lifeguards performed 118 rescues, 348 first aid treatments and 33 searches for missing children.

It is estimated that, on average, 202 people use the lagoon and its surrounds every hour.

“With these sorts of statistics, it’s easy to see just how important the lifeguard service is,” said North Queensland Surf Life Saving Area Manager Colin Sparkes.

“We acknowledge the contribution and support of the Cairns Regional Council and sponsors to provide and continue this excellent service.”

GBR Helicopters Managing Director Ian Johnson said he recognised the importance of the lifeguard service. “As a local company, we are thrilled to be able to support the Esplanade lifeguards and get behind their magnificent work keeping everyone safe and sound at the lagoon,” he said. “When we take tourists and film crews into the air to show them the stunning coastline and islands, it is good to know there are well-trained professionals protecting people on the beaches below.”