Lifeguards struggle to stay afloat: CEO

They save lives at the beach and they do it for minimum wage.

But increasing lifeguards’ hourly rate isn’t a priority, according to Surf Life Saving northern region chief executive Matt Williams.

Just finding enough money to keep the service running is the primary concern.

‘‘I’d love to see our lifeguards get an equal rate, similar to what they are getting at a pool, but we have a bigger challenge than that right now and that’s complying with wage rate changes and our moral cost of being on the beaches,’’ Williams said.

Williams and eastern regional manager Chris Emmett presented their submission to Waikato Regional Council’s hearings on its 2018-2028 long-term plan earlier this month..

Council proposes to increase its level of funding to Surf Life Saving to $354,600 and include LandSAR as a beneficiary.

Coastguard would get $175,400 and Philips Search and Rescue and the Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust would each get $50,000.

In total, council proposes to increase the regional services fund from $630,000 to $695,500 per year, creating an annual rates impact of an extra 39 cents per property.

Williams said the budget for the next financial year for Surf Life Saving is $407,000, leaving a $52,000 shortfall.

Nearly 300 people were rescued from the country’s busiest patrolled surf beaches.

About 1600 volunteers worked 60,000 patrol hours in the last year and demand is set to grow.

In the next 30 years, Williams expects an increasing number of visitors to Waikato beaches, an increased population living near the coast, more pressure on infrastructure and an even greater need for lifeguards.

As a result, Williams asked that funding be maintained at the current level, taking into account annual CPI and statutory wage rate increases.

In future, new coastal areas may also require the service.

Cr Stu Husband said Surf Life Saving should be funded in the same way as the Fire Service – through central government.

Three years ago, he put it to Surf Life Saving NZ that it should go to Wellington to secure funding.

But Williams said the group proposed it be a fully funded government service in January, but made little headway.