Coastguard volunteers to showcase work
Coastguard questions can be answered at this weekend’s public open day where some of Nelson’s 120-plus volunteers will help the community understand its work, drum up members and raise money.
From 10am on Sunday the Sealord Marine Rescue Centre on Wakefield Quay in Nelson will open its operations room to learn about emergency equipment, what happens during a rescue at sea and the roles of volunteers and tasks.
The coastguard vessel will be on dry land for viewing and the public is invited to enjoy a barbecue, raffle and children’s colouring competition until 2pm.
Nelson Coastguard president Wayne (Harry) Harrison said the open day was the first since 2015.
It was a great chance for the community to fully understand the role of the coastguard while helping the Nelson branch to raise money for a defibrillator, he said.
‘‘For people who are interested in joining, the day is a great opportunity to have a chat with us and gain a better understanding of the commitment required.’’
It took a range of people of differing ages and skills to build a working team.
‘‘I feel part of something and I feel it is important to the com- munity,’’ Harry said.
‘‘We provide a service that is needed and you get satisfaction from good results – bringing someone home safely. We all put in a tremendous amount of time volunteering but the rewards are really good.’’
He said the camaraderie was a driving force for the Nelson group which saw them work to their best abilities.
Potential volunteer recruits will be able to ask Nelson’s most skilled and award-winning volunteers about the work they do for people in strife on Sunday. In October last year the Nelson Coastguard team won a national award for a rescue of a waka-ama paddler in rough conditions off Tahunanui Beach.
In December Nelson Coastguard volunteer Haden McCrorie was recognised with a Kiwibank Local Hero Award.
Nelson Coastguard volunteers will assist with the Knapps Lawyers Boulder Bank Walk, also being held on Sunday, giving the public an opportunity to view a working operation.