Lifeguards spread the word

The Waipu Cove Surf Life Saving Club had a simple mission when it set off on its four-day Northland tour — to help spread the word about water safety, and try to help prevent people drowning and getting into trouble at the beach or any other “water space.”

The tour focused on unpatrolled beaches where people had drowned in the past year, including Maitai, Cable and Taupo bays.

Junior club captain Emma Baker entered a community grant competition through AMI to fund the tour, added support from BP and the Northland Regional Council enabling 11 lifeguards and four junior surf members to hit the road.

“We demonstrated different rescue techniques using rescue tubes, boards and the IRB, as well as CPR, choking, and how to spot a rip,” club captain Kath Manning said.

“We also ran some water safety games and obstacle courses for the children. We were educating groups on how to keep their children and themselves safe, by knowing their limits, if in doubt staying out, keeping young children within arm’s reach, checking the conditions first, not only for rips but for any other hazards like boats launching, surfers, river outlets and weather.

“The message for rips is, no one is stronger than a rip. If you do get caught in one, remember the three Rs — Relax and float, Raise your arm, Ride the rip.

“The tour was rewarding in many ways,” she added.

“It was great to help rural communities that don’t have a surf life saving presence, educating holiday-makers about potential risks and how to stay safe, as well as being great development and team-building for our lifeguards.”