Helping build the next generation of lifesavers

A group of people is gathered indoors holding a large check. The check is from Komatsu, indicating a donation of ten thousand dollars to the Scarboro Surf Life Saving Club. They are standing in a room with a patterned ceiling and posters in the background.

For more than a decade, Komatsu employee Grant Morgan has spent his weekends helping develop the next generation of surf lifesavers. Through Komatsu's Live Your Dream (LYD) program, he's now helping ensure that work can continue for years to come.

Grant, who is based at Komatsu's Welshpool branch in Perth, was selected as a recipient of the LYD program, which provides a $10,000 grant to help employees support a cause, organisation or community project that's meaningful to them. He chose to direct his donation to Scarboro Surf Life Saving Club, where he and his two sons have been active members since 2012.

Established in 1928, the club plays a vital role in keeping Scarborough Beach safe, training members from a young age through to qualified patrol members who volunteer throughout the summer season.

Grant says the club has become a significant part of his family's life, with sons James and William now taking on leadership roles within the club's Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) program. James serves as the club's IRB Officer while William is IRB Captain, with both helping train and mentor the next generation of surf lifesavers

“One of our biggest challenges is retaining young members and encouraging them to become active surf lifesavers. It's something I'm passionate about, and it's been incredibly rewarding to see my sons carry that on by helping train the next generation of volunteers who become the backbone of our weekend patrols, water rescues and major community events such as the Rottnest Channel Swim,” Grant says.

"For me, the best part of my weekend is getting to work alongside my boys and help train those young people who will become the future of our club."

The LYD funding will support training camps and development activities designed to engage young members, helping build the skills and confidence needed to keep local beaches safe.

"I've seen so many Komatsu employees receive funding for organisations they're passionate about over the years, so to now be part of that is incredibly exciting. I'm absolutely blown away by Komatsu's generosity, and it's something I'm proud to share with my sons and everyone at Scarboro Surf Life Saving Club."