Busy summer for Gisborne's lifeguards

Large crowds on city beaches such as Wainui during the Rhythm and Vines festival over the New Year period kept Gisborne lifeguards on their toes. Over the period patrols were in operation, 21 people were rescued and another 35 helped back to shore in various emergency situations. Picture by Liam Clayton

Tairāwhiti surf lifeguards were kept busy over summer with multiple rescue situations and assists, hundreds of preventative actions and many first aid situations.

The summer season patrols concluded on March 24.

“There were challenges around clearing the town beaches of major debris ahead of the patrolling season, with local surf clubs providing valuable insights into Gisborne District Council’s beach clearance work,” Surf Life Saving NZ Gisborne/Tairāwhiti club development officer Jess Buscke said.

“Residents and visitors alike enjoyed the long-awaited summer weather to the fullest.”

At Midway, Waikanae and Wainui beaches, the convergence of Rhythm and Vines patrons over New Year, coupled with soaring temperatures, provided opportunities for surf lifeguards to apply their extensive training, she said.

“To enhance our lifeguarding capabilities, five of our highest-trained surf lifeguards were granted access to one of the Eastern Region’s rescue water craft during the Rhythm and Vines period.

“This significantly bolstered our team’s efficiency and coverage along town beaches and at Wainui, delivering immense benefits to our community.

“The dedication and professionalism demonstrated by surf lifeguards underscore their commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all beach visitors.

“We cannot thank surf lifeguards enough for their unwavering service and for the community’s continued support.

“We look forward to celebrating the efforts of our local surf lifesaving community at the annual Gisborne Tairāwhiti Awards of Excellence being held on June 14.”