While most Hunter clubs have a resuscitator, Ms Scruton said they need kits that are more up-to-date, and more of them.

“We do chook raffles to buy rescue equipment,” she said.

“So to be given a government grant to buy it, is a godsend to our people.”

The Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald announced the $200,000 state government package at Nobbys Beach on Thursday. 

He was joined by the Liberal candidate for Newcastle, Blake Keating, and the party’s candidate for Charlestown, Jenny Barrie. 

Mr MacDonald said the fund is expected to provide at least one oxygen resuscitation kit to each of the 129 surf life saving clubs in NSW. 

“Part of the plan is to do some training with it. So not just the equipment but the training,” he said. 

“If it supports these people, skills them up, saves a life, we’re happy.”

President of Hunter Surf Life Saving Henry Scruton said incidents have occurred in the region where lifesavers were caught without a kit.  

“Most of the clubs have one,” he said.

“They’re used for heat exhaustion, unfortunately some cases of heart attacks in this area, when persons have been over-immersed or drank to much of our salt water.

“We’ve been caught out several times when there has been incidents on the sand and incidents near the club.

“The fact they’re bringing out new ones is fabulous because we can put out the new ones and keep the older ones as the backup.”

Ms Scruton said the “respect and acknowledgment” implied by the funding was appreciated.

“Because we are quiet achievers,” she said.

Mr MacDonald also opened the new Stockton Boat Harbour with representatives from Roads and Maritime Services on Friday morning. 

He was pipped at the post by the state member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, who announced the harbour’s completion on Wednesday. 

Related stories: