$63 million is Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s first in 110 years
Venkat Raman
Auckland, December 29, 2022
Lifeguards and coast guards are well equipped and ready to provide rescue services and increase water and beach safety this summer, said Priyanka Radhakrishna, minister for the community and volunteer sector. Mr Ng said.
She said the $63 million package for the government’s water safety initiative in the 2020 budget is a game changer for the water safety sector, which is run almost entirely by passionate New Zealand volunteers.
She said extended support is important to keep people safe through the Covid-19 pandemic and to enable people to be safer. has been strengthened and the Coast Guard is deploying new boats to assist the rescue.
first government support
“This is the first time in the 110-year history of Surf Lifesaving New Zealand that a central government has financially supported a surf lifesaving club on the front lines, and the work and well-being of the key volunteers who run the 74 clubs. The funding has enabled Surf Life Saving New Zealand to maintain its frontline services even when Covid has squeezed traditional revenue streams.” says Radhakrishnan.
She said government funding helped cover 50% of operational costs over the past year, including training lifeguards and purchasing, maintaining and repairing critical life-saving equipment.
A major repair and rebuilding project for 18 surfing lifesaving clubs on the Motu (islands) has also been made possible with this funding, with more projects to be covered in 2023.
Radhakrishnan said the New Zealand Coast Guard had safely assisted more than 16,000 New Zealanders between July 2020 and June 2022, supported by new protective gear and upgraded boats.
“The government helped customize 22 track boats used in the America’s Cup so they could be turned into rescue boats. The Coast Guard now employs 70 staff to keep people safe on the water. We are able to support the 2,000 extraordinary volunteers who always go to great lengths to protect,” she said.
Safety is everything
Radhakrishnan says enjoying the ocean, lakes and rivers is a major New Zealand summer activity, but taking care of your children, family and friends when visiting the beach or taking a boat ride is important for all. He said it was the person’s responsibility.
“Education of tamariki (children) and young people is key to preventing water problems. That is why we have revamped Water Safety New Zealand’s Water Skills for Life Programme, which sets national standards for water education in primary schools in New Zealand. she said.
Radhakrishnan urged people to remember important water safety rules while out and about.
“Be prepared. Check weather and sea conditions. Know your local environment and safe swimming spots. Set rules for safe play and use safe, well-maintained equipment. Yourself.” Take care of yourself and others Always supervise children at the water’s edge and keep children under 5 within reach Never swim alone Swim between flags on the beach If you are on a boat make sure everyone on board is wearing proper life jackets Be aware of the hazards The water will be cold Rip beach for surf beaches Yourself “Know the limits of the water. Challenge yourself within your ability and skill level. Know what you can and can’t do in the water,” Radhakrishnan said.
About Surf Life Saving New Zealand
Surf Life Saving New Zealand is the leading agency for beach and coastal safety, drowning prevention and rescue in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
This is a unique organization, offering active lifeguards and essential emergency rescue services, as well as a variety of public-educated beach safety programs.
We provide our members with education, training, development and a highly respected sport.
According to the organization’s website, all activities are conducted as a charitable organization and rely on the donations and financial contributions of people, commercial partners, foundations and trusts to support its incredible frontline volunteer lifeguard services. We lead and support.
“Surf Live Saving New Zealand is a national association representing 74 surf lifesaving clubs with over 18,000 members, including over 4,500 volunteer surf lifeguards. It patrols more than 1000 locations and provides emergency call and rescue services throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, saving hundreds of lives each year and helping thousands get home safely after a day at the beach. are available,” the website says.
Volunteer surf lifeguards have kept thousands of people safe on beaches and saved thousands of lives, but drowning rates on New Zealand’s beaches and coast have increased compared to the last five years. I’m here.
Surf Live Savings said it is committed to curbing this trend.
“Our vision is ‘no one drowns on our beach’. This is our driving force and why we are ‘In It For Life’. If you do go to the beach, choose one with a lifeguard and remember that the red and yellow flags mark the safest places to swim. , can be fatal,” the organization’s website said.
life saving tips
There are 3 Rs Rip Survival Plans that can save people’s lives.
“While conditions can change rapidly, our lifeguards are always alert to beach conditions, continuously monitoring the beach for hazards, staying abreast of weather forecasts, swells and tides. They are also a friendly bunch Rough waves and large waves can move unexpectedly fast and can sweep children away or trip them off, so keep them out of the water or out of the water. Keep children within reach at all times when nearby,” the website says.
According to Surf Live Saving New Zealand, many people get into trouble in the water because they overestimate their abilities and underestimate the situation.
“There is security in numbers. If you have trouble in the water, if you have friends or family you have immediate backup. If you don’t feel comfortable getting in, follow your intuition and stay out of the water.It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Rock fishing was the activity with the highest risk of fatalities in 2018-2019, so caution should be exercised.
“Wear life jackets, wear treaded shoes (not rubber boots), and don’t turn your back on the ocean. Large waves can unexpectedly blow you off the rocks. Life on Patrol” If there are any lifeguards please let them know.If you can’t see a lifeguard please call 111 to report the police.They have a direct line to New Zealand and the Coast Guard New Zealand emergency response force. .”
