Surf lifesavers were in the news recently over their struggle to pay a $1 million public liability premium; so it seems fitting that the insurance industry will help out this week. The Insurance Council of Australia’s (ICA) annual charity sailing regatta on Friday will raise funds for Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches.

ICA Executive Director Alan Mason – a former president of Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club on Sydney’s Northern Beaches – says the National Insurance Brokers Association and the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance have supported the event for the past seven years to raise funds to buy equipment for the group’s 10,000 volunteers.

“It provides an opportunity for the industry and associates to rally together to support an essential service to the community,” Mr Mason said.

About 14 boats have entered the regatta so far and the ICA is hoping for another 10. It is also accepting donations for the post-race auction.