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The flags and patrol gear have been packed away since the end of last summer, but Red Beach Surf Club’s volunteers have been hard at work over the winter months.
Club instructors have been busy training a new crop of surf lifeguards, with 20 members gaining Surf Lifeguard Awards in September. After Christmas, Red Beach lifeguards will also head to the west coast where they will support Muriwai lifeguards for the second consecutive year to provide additional patrol cover during the busy January-to-March period.
Closer to home, the club recently installed a 96-panel solar system on the clubhouse roof. The system is expected to save more than $9000 a year in electricity costs, helping offset rising expenses and freeing up funds for patrols, equipment, lifeguard training and community initiatives. (See story p23)
The club’s achievements were recognised in July when Red Beach Surf Club was named Club of the Year at the Northern Region Awards of Excellence. It was the first time in 14 years that Red Beach had claimed the region’s supreme award. Red Beach’s Tom Jacka was also named Coach of the Year, and is now a finalist for the national coaching award.
At the club’s Annual Meeting in September, a record 18 members received Recognition or Service Awards for their contributions to Red Beach Surf Club and surf lifesaving.
The club’s competitive success continued last month at the SLSNR Pool Rescue Championships at the National Aquatic Centre where Red Beach’s Seniors, Juniors and Masters teams combined to score the most points and secure the Cosgrove Trophy for the fourth consecutive year. The athletes then turned their attention to the SLSNZ Championships, held at the same venue from October 2 to 4.
The club’s Junior ranks remain particularly strong, with close to 450 youngsters aged between four and 13. The Junior division has an Open Day on Sunday October 11, from 2pm-4pm. It will be a chance to check out the club, meet the team, and ask questions about club membership. Full activities will commence on Sunday, November 1.
Red Beach athlete, 17-year-old Dylan Blanchard, has been selected for the SLSNZ Junior Black Fins team and will represent New Zealand at the Lifesaving World Championships in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, in November and December.
With new lifeguards coming through the ranks, strong junior numbers, continued sporting success and investment in the club’s facilities, Red Beach Surf Club is well prepared for another summer on the beach.
By Ross Malyon
