Kia ora Surf Life Saving whānau,

Just like that, the patrol season has kicked off!  A big shoutout to all of you who’ve already suited up in the red and yellow uniform, ensuring that countless beachgoers have made it home safe and sound.  So far, you’ve tallied up over 13,000 hours on patrol, carried out 38 rescues, and administered 57 first aids.

It’s amazing to think that surf lifeguards have been doing this important work for over 100 years.  We were reminded of this last month when the Palmerston North Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) celebrated 75 years of patrolling Himatangi Beach.  We know the local community is deeply grateful for that longstanding service, and you can read more about it below. 

In this month’s Member News, you’ll also find details about the new Junior Surf programme, Midway Surf Rescue’s exciting milestone, an entertaining read on Chris Dawson – the new Black Fins captain, and so much more!

Happy reading and ka kite anō.

Key Safety Messages for 2023/2024

This season we have reviewed our key safety messages based on incidents that have occurred over the last few seasons, Omnipoll research over the last three years, and international research and safety messages.

The messages can be found here on the SLSNZ website.  Please try to use them whenever possible. Maybe even print them out and keep them in your club, tower, and even on the beach if possible, so you can always refer to them. 

Jarden Extends Helping Hand to Hawke’s Bay Surf Lifeguards

Christmas has arrived early for the Hawke’s Bay Search and Rescue (SAR) Surf Life Saving squad, thanks to a generous donation by Jarden.  The investment and advisory company donated a brand-new inflatable rescue boat (IRB) and trailer following a presentation by Hawke’s Bay SAR Coordinator, Jess Bennett.  With patrol season already under way, the new IRB is going to be a massive asset to the team.  Click here to read more.

Midway Surf Rescue Community Hub Officially Opened

It was an exciting month for surf lifeguards in Gisborne with the official opening of the Midway Surf Rescue Community Hub!  Around 250 people were on hand to celebrate the milestone, including plenty of current and former club members and supporters.  The hub will not only be a base for surf lifeguards but there’s also a restaurant, community lounge, first aid room, and plenty of storage.  Click here to find out more.

Maritime NZ Launches New Campaign

With summer on our doorstep, more people are starting to enjoy time out on the water.  Our friends over at Maritime New Zealand want to take this time to remind everyone that the ocean can be a dangerous place.  So, if you’re heading out on a boat, remember to check the forecast, take two ways to call for help, and wear a lifejacket. 

Just like SLSNZ, Maritime wants everyone to return home safely and because every safe journey deserves to be celebrated, Maritime did exactly that.  They welcomed an unsuspecting group of safe boaties returning to shore with huge fanfare.  The welcoming party included a brass band, dancers, and plenty of people whooping and cheering on the jetty.  Click here to check it out.

NZSAR Calling for Nominations:

The NZSAR Awards are coming up and NZSAR is calling for nominations!

The awards cover the following two categories:  

· Operational:  Open to SAR operations that took place between 1 January and 31 December 2023. 

· Support: Open to individuals, groups or organisations which have made a significant contribution to SAR in New Zealand. A person doesn’t need decades of service to be a worthy nominee; some of the previous winners have only been in SAR for a few years but have made a big impact in that time.

If you know of someone or a group that fits the bill, visit www.nzsar.govt.nz/awards for nomination forms, NZSAR Awards policy, and details of previous winners.

If you would like help compiling a nomination, or have any questions, you can contact NZSAR directly:  info@nzsar.govt.nz

Nominations close 31 January 2024

Palmerston North Surf Life Saving Club Marks 75 Years of Patrolling Himatangi

The Manawatū Standard featured a really interesting piece on the Palmerston North SLSC.  It took us on a walk down memory lane, reminiscing on the “aerial shark patrols”, the “country loo” in the original club, and, of course, all of the amazing volunteers.  Celebrating 75 years of surf lifeguarding is a remarkable accomplishment, and everyone who has contributed to the club’s success, big or small, should be proud.  Click here to read more.

Surf Lifeguards’ Heroic Roadside Rescue

This month, we heard about an incredible rescue carried out by a couple of United North Piha surf lifeguards.  Jessika Wanden-Hannay and Abby Ferguson came across a man unconscious in the middle of the road while they were driving back from the 90-Mile IRB Race.  He had been pulled from his car after suffering a medical event and needed help urgently.  Jessika and Abby swung into action using the skills they had learned as surf lifeguards, even though they were miles away from the red and yellow flags. Click here to read more.

New Junior Surf Programme Unveiled

After an extensive three-year undertaking, SLSNZ is excited to unveil its revamped Junior Surf programme!

At its core, Junior Surf is designed to nurture children’s confidence, deepen their understanding of beach and coastal environments, and enhance their skills in and around the water.

The following resources can now be found on the SLSNZ website:

• Junior Surf guiding principles and overall outcomes SLSNZ is striving for
• Skill development resources for age groups (matrix)
• Junior Surf Club Coordinators Handbook
• Junior Surf Parent and Whānau Handbook
• Age based session and activity plans for group leaders

Congratulations to all those involved in rolling out this incredible resource.

National Lifeguard School Candidates Revealed

At the end of November, the country’s fastest, fittest, and most committed surf lifeguards will be heading off to National Lifeguard School at Waihi Beach.  Over three days, they’ll be taught theory and practical skills, and will partake in recreated emergency situations, including mass rescue scenarios. We are also delighted to share that the four candidates from the Eastern Region have been sponsored by Zespri through a scholarship to attend this year’s National Lifeguard School. At the end of the school, the surf lifeguards will receive SLSNZ’s highest surf lifeguard qualification – the Advanced Lifeguard Award.  Well done to all candidates!  Click here to read more.

Important Reminder for Surf Lifeguard and IRB Refreshers

The Surf Lifeguard Award and Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Driver Refreshers were updated in September 2023 and are now available for completion.

Refreshers are an annual requirement which confirms members’ ability to carry out lifesaving activities in a manner that is safe for them, other members, and for the public. Annual Refreshers ensure all surf lifeguards are up to date with the latest legislative requirements, knowledge, best practice and that they are fit to carry out their duties.

Click here for more information.

Outward Bound Scholarship Dates for SLSNZ Members Now Open!

Outward Bound New Zealand specialises in helping people realise their full potential through outdoor challenge and adventure.  The team there believes in experimental learning through doing, whether that’s leading the way on an expedition or helping guide their team on a sailing journey.

SLSNZ is excited to announce that new dates are now available for SLSNZ members and staff to apply for Outward Bound scholarship opportunities!  There are a range of dates starting in early February 2024.  Click here for more information.

Chris Dawson Makes Debut as Black Fins Captain

Gisborne’s Chris Dawson will be making his debut as Black Fins captain at the International German Cup!  The two-day pool rescue competition will be taking place from 23 – 25 November in Warendorf, Germany.  Eight athletes will be heading over to compete, with Chris at the helm.  He said, “The Cup holds a special place in my heart as it’s my fifth one.  I’m nervous as hell about going away, but as soon as I put on that fern, I know it’ll bring out the passion pretty quickly.”  Good luck to the team!  We’ll all be cheering you on!  Click here to read more.

CREDIT: Manawatu Heritage

Misses J. Atkinson, M Gerrand, and L. Child from the Palmerston North Women’s Surf Life Saving Club give a practical demonstration of the Holger-Nielsen method of resuscitation in Te Marae o Hine/ The Square, in January 1959.

Auckland Farmers Santa Parade Partners up with SLSNZ

SLSNZ is the charity partner for this year’s Auckland Farmers Santa Parade. Volunteers from our partners, bp New Zealand and DHL, will be joining Northern Region surf lifeguards and clubbies to lead the parade on Sunday 26 November. If you know people who are going, tell them to look out for the IRB cruising behind one of the SLSNZ Toyota Utes. Donations on the day and online can be made by scanning a QR code this year.

New Bed Bath & Beyond Fundraising Towels

Check out Bed Bath & Beyond, either online or in-store, to see this year’s fundraising towel designs. All proceeds from the sale of these towels go to SLSNZ.  They’re also a great way to share our beach safety messages and showcase all of the Surf Life Saving clubs throughout New Zealand. Can you see your club?

Free 30 Seconds Cleaning Products for Clubs

The 30 Seconds range of task-specific cleaning products have been on the shelves and in Kiwi homes for over 25 years.  They produce top-quality products to meet nearly every cleaning job!  So, if your Surf Life Saving club hasn’t ordered its 20L of free 30 Seconds cleaning products, then get your orders in. Orders close 9 December.

Dirty Dog 35% Off Exclusive Offer 

As our official sunglass supplier, our mates at Dirty Dog Eyewear have come to the party for SLSNZ members by offering an EXCLUSIVE 35% DISCOUNT OFF their entire sunglass range. Get in quick - it's for a limited time only! OFFER ENDS 15 December 2023. Use Code GRAB35 at the checkout to get your 35% discount. Code is case sensitive. 

Thank You TSB

This season we are sadly farewelling our major partner, TSB. We are very grateful for the partnership that started in 2016 and appreciate the impact they have had across the organisation over the past eight years.  Their support has helped deliver training and development for surf lifeguards, our New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Championships, safety messaging, and club grants. 

Additionally, this year, we are excited to share that TSB has supported the implementation of some of our Volunteer Strategy Initiatives. These initiatives were developed by the Volunteer Strategy Working Group and have been used to prioritise the areas and focus that will help support our volunteers and clubs the most.  They encompass various national projects and initiatives to enable clubs to deliver the best outcomes for volunteers across the country. 

The support provided, along with their contributions over the last eight years, shows what a wonderful partner they have been.  We wish them every success for the future.