Beach patrols
Our volunteer Lifeguard Patrols are in full swing with our local Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service (MHVLS) lifeguards patrolling weekends over the busy summer period. Northern Regional Lifeguard Patrols will be staffing the beach from now until the end of January on weekdays. Lifeguard Patrol hours are 11am-5pm on weekends, and from 10:30am-6:30pm on weekdays.
Changing conditions
Although our rescue activity has been very quiet recently, we’re just at the beginning of the tropical cyclone season, which typically sees us on the receiving end of some good swell activity. After any swell, the ocean bottom near shore is affected, and new holes and currents appear, so our recently safe and serene Mangawhai Heads beach will most probably see conditions become more challenging as we progress into the summer season.
Dramatic rescue
Recently, a former lifeguard and member of MHVLS was involved in a dramatic after-hours rescue involving two young siblings. Dylan Finlay was surfing at Mangawhai Heads when he noticed a brother and sister in trouble in a strong rip at the south end of the beach. By the time he managed to get to them they were both tired and very stressed out. Finlay managed to rescue both children, one who was in a "near drowning" state, submerged under the water. His quick thinking and brave response no doubt avoided a certain tragedy.
Three rules
The rescue highlights the fact that the public must be vigilant, especially when there are no lifeguards on duty: ALWAYS swim to your ability; ALWAYS supervise children in the ocean; IF IN DOUBT, don’t go out! Heading into the busy summer season, MHVLS is urging the public to be safe when swimming outside of lifeguard operating hours.
Annual fundraiser
The MHVLS Annual Door Knock will be happening on Tuesday December 29, 2pm-4pm around the Mangawhai Area. This is the club’s only annual appeal and is one of our main fundraising efforts. Every year the community shows their appreciation for the club's services and we receive this with much gratitude. Like many other clubs in NZ, MHVLS is looking to add a Rescue Water Craft (RWC or Jet Ski) to its rescue fleet. At this stage an RWC would not be funded by SLSNZ and the club would be looking at approximately $30,000 for an RWC including a trailer. The Annual Door Knock will assist the club in achieving this goal.
Junior success
In other news, our Junior Surf program has also been going strong with the beach, a busy hub every Sunday morning. With nearly 150 juniors in the programme ranging in age from 5-12 years-old, this is one of the largest groups the club has had, and it is very exciting. Special mention should be given to Vanessa Fulton, our Junior Surf Coordinator on receiving a Kaipara District Citizen award.
On behalf of MHVLS we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year. Remember - always swim between the flags.
