Members of the club, aged 13 – 19 years, completed funding applications to the ESCC panel of judges, who are all young people themselves.

Last summer the club was awarded funding for water sport activities at Spray Water Sports.

This included courses in power boat handling, wind surfing, canoeing and sailing.

Last winter the club was successful with three additional applications.

The first was for a youth project to refurbish the clubrooms.

They are now transformed from a dated and dark facility to a modern, bright and inviting place with new furniture for all members to enjoy.

The project included preparation, decoration and upholstery of furniture under the guidance of adult members.

The youngsters also successfully applied for an environmental project which has provided the club with a much needed new four stroke engine for the club rescue boat.

The fourth and final successful application was for new lifesaving equipment.

This enabled the replacement of old items and has equipped the club with new uniforms, training and patrol wetsuits, handheld radios and lifesaving aids such as rescue boards, torpedo buoys and throw ropes.

In total the young members of the club have received £9,135.00 to date and they are now applying for further funding through the YOF, including giving a presentation to the panel last week.

Eastbourne Voluntary Lifeguards Chairman Sean Gardiner said, "To be awarded four grants in 2006 is amazing, what a great achievement by our young members.

"On behalf of the club I would like to thank the YOF judges for awarding the funding to our club and we would also like to thank the young members of our club for their time, effort and commitment in successfully applying for all of this and future funding."