Mangawhai heads lifeguards back on duty

Senior lifeguards from the Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service recently undertook a training camp in preparation for the new season patrols, which start on Labour Weekend.

Last season, the service spent 3576 hours patrolling at Mangawhai Heads, saving 22 lives and taking part in 4650 preventative actions.

Public relations officer Tony Baker says the club has approval for its new headquarters, but work won’t start this season.

“We are always keen to recuirt new members,” he says. “Surf lifesaving offers opportunities to keep fit, be a team player and learn new skills.”

Youngsters aged seven to 13 join the junior surf programme, with 14-year-olds able to enrol in the Surf Lifeguard Award Programme and work towards becoming operational lifeguards.

The new season starts on Saturday, October 24, with a street collection in Mangawhai. Registration day is Sunday, October 25, and starts with beach races at 10am and ends with a barbecue dinner for members from 4.30pm.

Patrols will operate weekends and public holidays from 11am to 4pm, with extended hours over the summer holidays.

A highlight of the club’s calendar is the Jackman Classic, now entering its 19th year, scheduled for March 20, 2010. The classic is a long distance paddle race from Waipu to Mangawhai. Competitors paddle the 12km on either paddleboards or surf canoes.

Information: Tony Baker on 021 507 141, or www.mangawhaisurf.org.nz