Lifeguard tower is tops for Whanganui surf lifesavers

Surf Lifeguard Greta Cox writes up the first condition report and checks the conditions when beach visitors come to swim between the flags this summer.

Wanganui Surf Lifeguard Service has just had an early Christmas present – a portable lifeguard tower – delivered ready for summer.

Local Pipe Major Dylan Coffin-Kawhena and sponsors, club members, lifeguards, juniors and members of the community lined Castlecliff Beach to celebrate the tower’s completion and watch it being pulled on to the sand and set up for the first time.

Wanganui Lifeguards outside the clubhouse.

JJ Roofing chose the project out of a shortlist of charitable organisations in Whanganui in late November last year. Then their Running of the Balls event in January raised $15,000 from ticket sales, plus a further $1000 in donations.

“It was a humbling experience whittling them from the charities,” said Juan Coffey from JJ Roofing.

These junior lifeguards can't wait to get in the water.

“Bex Sharratt and Shaun Libeau of Wanganui Surf Lifeguard Service sold us this whole vision of the tower. With the realisation of it, it’s a proud day for lifeguards and proud day for the community,” said Coffey.

Club captain Daniel Comp said that from the lifeguards' perspective, they wanted to be involved in something. The tower underwent a lot of designs, and lifeguards were involved in a design workshop.

A guard of honour was formed as the portable lifeguard tower was towed down to the beach.

“Castlecliff Beach is one of the most dangerous in New Zealand, that’s why we get high-quality lifeguards here.

“The tower gives us a better visual view of the beach, it gives us some protection and it gives a lot of information”.

People gathered to acknowledge the mahi that went into funding and building the new tower, finishing with a karakia and ribbon cutting.

Beach users can refer to a condition board on the back of the tower which is updated by patrols.

“When we rebuild the clubhouse, the portable tower will come into play during that time,” Comp said.

JJ Roofing cut the first of the ribbons as major supporters, followed by Daniel Comp, Club Captain declaring the tower open!

Club chairman Simon Badger said it’s exciting to see all the support that has been given to the lifeguard services.

Wanganui Surf Lifeguard whānau celebrate the JJ Roofing Portable Lifeguard Tower with supporters involved in the project.

The construction of the tower and a purpose-built storage shed was project-managed by Junior Surf parents David and Penny Brown of David Brown Building and made possible through the generosity of several local businesses offering products or labour at a reduced price or at no cost. A true community collaboration.

Major supporters JJ Roofing – Juan and Janelle Coffey.

All those in attendance had the opportunity to have their turn to sit up on the very visible red and yellow tower.