Resource

New boat helps lifesavers save lives

Back to list view

Papamoa Beach surf lifesavers will be able to reach and rescue swimmers in trouble faster, thanks to a grant from Grassroots Trust.

About Papamoa Surf Lifesaving Club

Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club (Papamoa SLSC) is a community-based organisation, made up of volunteer lifeguards who patrol the flagged area along Papamoa Beach Road and perform roaming patrols along the length of the 14km beach on weekends during the summer months. In addition to their lifeguard service, the Club also offers a comprehensive Junior Surf programme for 5 - 13 year olds, a Rookie Lifeguard programme for 12-13 year olds and a competitive Surf Sports programme for those 10 years and up.

What the grant went towards

Funding from Grassroots Trust has included a recent grant that enabled the club to buy a new, fully-equipped inflatable rescue boat (IRB), and essential first aid supplies. The ability of lifesavers to quickly deploy an IRB could mean the difference between life and death for a swimmer in trouble.

What this meant for the organisation and its members

Surf lifesaving clubs such as Papamoa SLSC play a crucial role in seaside communities around the country, and club Chairman Andrew Hitchfield is unequivocal on the importance of the new equipment to the club: “These items are absolutely critical for us to be able to focus on the job of keeping the beach safe over the summer months.”