Clubs keeping Coasties safe in the water

Recent remarks by Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown questioning the role of Auckland’s East Coast surf lifesaving clubs prompted strong responses from local councillors, who highlighted the clubs’ vital work, including dozens of rescues, community safety initiatives, and emergency flood responses. 

The remarks were made during a meeting of the Governing Body considering the annual grant to the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Board on March 27. Mayor Brown described the East Coast clubs such as Orewa, Red Beach, and Mairangi Bay as ‘babysitting organisations,’ questioning the justification for their funding compared to the West Coast surf lifesaving clubs. 

However, councillors from across the region strongly disagreed, pointing out the vital role the clubs play in the community.

Albany Ward Councillor John Watson, said he was dismayed by the mayor’s comments, especially as the Ōrewa, Red Beach and Mairangi Bay clubs patrol most of the beaches on the East Coast, and support the West Coast beaches in times of high demand. 

“In the summer months, we have huge visitor numbers from across the Auckland region, a number of whom do get caught out in the sea and whose lives are put in danger,” he said in response to the Mayor’s comments.

“I for one just want to acknowledge the huge contribution our surf lifesaving clubs make, and in terms of return on investment, do way more than the grants we give them, keeping people safe and providing the surveillance that wouldn’t exist otherwise.”

Cr Wayne Walker noted the important work of the clubs during severe weather events especially their ability to respond quicker than many other parts of civil defence, such as during the Anniversary Day floods when the Mairangi Bay Surf Club rescued more than 70 people.

Teams from Ōrewa and Red Beach surf lifesaving clubs worked with other emergency services to rescue and support people affected by flooding in Dairy Flat, Ōrewa and Silverdale.

South Auckland councillor Lotu Fuli expressed her appreciation to the clubs saying that when churches visit the East Coast beaches ”our members sometimes get into trouble and it’s your surf lifesaving teams that come to assist, always without question.”

Cr Watson said it was “pretty disappointing” listening to the mayor’s comments. “He’s definitely out of touch with our surf life-saving clubs on the East Coast and the vital work they do,” Cr Watson said.  Fortunately his view was not shared by anyone else at the meeting.”

The vote to approve the funding was passed unanimously.

Ōrewa Surf Lifesaving Club president Faran Turner, says Surf Lifesaving NZ’s  many clubs work together to support each other and train together when needed, especially across the Auckland region.

“Ōrewa Surf Lifesaving Club (Ōrewa SLSC) is proud to wrap up another successful season dedicated to keeping our community safe in and around the water. As one of the largest surf lifesaving clubs in New Zealand, we’ve had a busy and rewarding season with 180 dedicated patrolling volunteers providing lifeguard services from Labour Weekend 2024 to Easter. Our volunteers worked tirelessly at Ōrewa and Wenderholm beaches, ensuring public safety and responding to emergencies in the water,” he says.

Turner says that water safety education is one of the vital roles the clubs play and this season, Ōrewa SLSC delivered these programmes to more than 440 children under 14 years of age. 

“These young learners are now equipped with essential skills and knowledge to stay safe while enjoying New Zealand’s beaches and waterways.”

Further afield, Ōrewa SLSC works with other clubs to provide support during peak times.

“Our club supports the wider surf lifesaving community, providing lifeguards to beaches from Raglan to Ahipara. We have also  contributed to major events and Search and Rescue operations, showcasing our commitment to ensuring safety at public events and in high-risk environments.”

Turner says they appreciate all the ongoing support from funding partners, local sponsors, Auckland Regional Amenities Board and the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board.

Last year New Zealand had 72 drownings, the lowest since 2018, which Water Safety NZ says in its annual National Drowning Prevention Report reflects increasing levels of personal responsibility and New Zealanders making smarter decisions around water. 

In New Zealand, 88 per cent of drownings occur in the over 25 age group, and only 12 per cent in the under 25.

Water Safety NZ attributes this steady decline to sustained water safety education initiatives over the past 15 years.

“The collective efforts of the water safety community to improve aquatic skills, knowledge and competence in young New Zealanders appears to be paying off,” the report says. 

Although there is a lack of data, it calculated preventable drownings cost the public health system $158 million last year.

Red Beach Surf Lifesaving Club captain Andrew Short reinforces the water safety message. The club has one of the largest junior clubs in the region.

“We have kids in the water every night during the week, and not only do they learn to become qualified lifeguards but they become confident in the water in any condition,” he says.

Red Beach club also patrols Pakiri beach during the summer, with 3454 patrol hours logged this season. Short says it’s a misconception the East Coast beaches can’t be dangerous.

“You can easily get a two metre swell into Pakiri and dangerous rips, but people also drown in calm conditions, especially as we have more tourists on the East Coast, often unused to beaches,” Short says. “Having lifeguards on duty gives safety and assurance to anyone who enters the water when they swim between the flags.”

“We have made a huge investment in patrolling Pakiri Beach. The team commits their time, and travels up there every weekend and we have invested in a mobile surf lifesaving tower. We also do a lot of our training at Muriwai and Piha beaches and over the summer season our senior lifeguards support the Muriwai and Piha clubs,” Short says.

Both clubs share the same view: thats surf lifesavers are there to support the community, on and off the water.