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Surf lifesavers may have left the beaches for the season, but spare a thought for the local marine rescue service that remains on call all year round, regardless of how bad the weather gets.
Kawau Coastguard might not get as many calls to launch from its Sandspit base in winter as during the peak summer boating months, but chances are that when they do, the weather will be much colder, the seas rougher and conditions generally more testing.
Vice president Luke McCarthy says the volunteer crews just get on with it, as they are on call, all year, all the time.
“The whole thing about us is that we’re always there,” he says. “In the winter, the only thing that changes is the amount of call outs. You still never know what you’re going to get on any given day. All our training continues, we all go on weekly training out on the boat and we do monthly unit training.”
The risks for anyone putting to sea can also be higher in winter, which is why everyone should be properly equipped and ready when they go out in the cooler months.
“Be prepared: take a VHF radio, take flares, a warm jacket, two forms of communication, lifejackets, check the marine weather and tell someone where you’re going.”
Kawau Coastguard has three crews of six that are on call one week in every three, but they are currently seeking new volunteers for their mid-year intake.
“We’re looking for dedicated, enthusiastic recruits,” Luke says. “Boating skills do help, but really just general knowledge of the marine environment is helpful. We will train them up.”
Info: Luke McCarthy, luke.mccarthy@vodafone.co.nz or 021 263 1586
