Beach patrol prepared for summer crowds

 

 

Labour Weekend signalled the start for volunteer lifeguard patrols at Mangawhai Heads.

The Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service (MHVLS) committee has been making plans for the busy season ahead.

More than a dozen guards took part in the required annual pre-season refresher – a run-swim-run, tube rescue, first aid refresher and general beach awareness.

Run by club captain Patria Harris and chief instructor Jess Costello, the refresher was a great success.

“It was great to see a keen bunch of guards refreshing this weekend, with everyone continually upskilling in first aid and keeping fit in the off season,” said Costello.

Harris, who recently returned from the USA as a delegate for Surf Life Saving Northern Region on the California Exchange has brought back some extra enthusiasm and skills to the club.

She is also one of the regions top professional guards and has ensured Mangawhai Heads will be well patrolled this season.

“We have four strong patrols this season with a few extra reserves. I'm looking forward to another successful season for our guards on the beach at the Heads," she said.

MHVLS volunteer lifeguards will be patrolling weekends and public holidays through till Easter 2016.

In the low season patrol hours are 11am- 4pm (October, November, March) and high season 11am-5pm (December–February).

Public relations officer and active senior lifeguard Tony Baker stressed the importance of checking conditions before heading out to the beach.

“Even with the forecasted El Nino for the coming summer, which is likely to create calmer surf conditions than usual, people still need to be aware of rips and submerged rocks at the beach. And boaties need to check the surf before heading out across the bar," he said.

NIWA is predicting increased winds on the west coast could lead to bigger surf and more rips while warm, dry conditions with warmer than usual water temperatures on the East Coast could see more people flocking to those beaches.

n Remember: Always swim between the flags, and raise your hand if you are in trouble.

<<ends>>

UPSKILLING: A lack of surf didn't deter a hardy bunch of over a dozen Mangawhai guards who took part in their refresher. (PHOTO/PATRIA HARRIS)