Otaki Surf Life Saving Club trains more to save lives

The community in Otaki can breathe easier knowing they are in good hands heading to the beach, with more training underway - to save lives.

Club Treasurer Neale Ames says, “We have around eighty members who are lifeguards or trainee lifeguards and the club is growing quickly. To facilitate training for these members, we needed more paddle boards for training and completion of the board rescue programme. This module teaches how to save lives using paddle boards made possible by the NZCT grant of $15,000.

“We applied to NZCT for funding to increase the number of (and replace some old) boards available for the use of our lifeguards and coaches. The boards are invaluable for teaching members surf skills and will be used for stamina training and undertaking board rescues at Otaki Beach. With the additional boards, more members will be able to train at the same time to practice for their Board Rescue module, a standard set by Surf Lifesaving New Zealand. This means more members will have the skills to perform rescues as required especially when there are 300/400 swimmers at the beach, thus making the beach a safer place for the public.”

“The Otaki Surf Life-Saving club has served the community and visitors to Otaki Beach for sixty-nine years, during which it has performed over 510 rescues in the surf. We have enjoyed our shares of glory over the years, with some members winning National titles and/or being selected to represent New Zealand, but most lifeguards train and compete to hone their skills so they can perform at the highest level in a rescue situation where every second counts.”

“Members also perform around 800 preventive actions each season (advising people where to swim etc.), provide first aid and emergency care, and are sometimes called out for land and sea searches. They are active in beach education programmes with local schools, as well as giving talks and demonstrations to groups interested in learning about the beach environs and rescue breathing.”

“Lifeguards are tested annually in swimming skills in the sea, timed swims in the pool, CPR, and surf knowledge. They also attend training courses to become skilled in

First Aid, CPR, radio operation, the use of IRB (inflatable rescue boat) and

other small craft. To keep fit lifeguards train regularly at Haruatai Park pool, in the sea, and take part in surf sport competitions both intra and inter club.”

“OSLSC has a membership roster of over 225 people, including 53 qualified lifeguards, 62 juniors (13 years & under), and around 110 associate members/supporters/parents. Volunteer lifeguards patrol the beach from December through March on weekends with paid lifeguards, usually from within the club, providing a professional service on weekdays during the school holidays.”

Statistics for 2021/22 season:

2,484 Volunteer hours

1,346 Preventative actions, warning 2,803 members of the public of potential dangers.

3 Assists

2 First Aids

1 Search

0 Rescues

Otaki Surf Life Saving Club received a grant of $15,000 from NZCT for ten new paddle boards.