Rārangi Surf Lifesaving Club is preparing for the summer season, with Lifeguard Manager Brendon Ferguson calling for more volunteers aged 14 and over.
After a challenging season last year, when July floods cut off beach access and delayed the club’s opening until mid-December, Brendon is hopeful for a full patrol season this summer.
Training for new lifeguards begins this week, on 14 October, in Stadium 2000’s multipurpose room. The six-week programme covers theory, practical skills and first aid, preparing volunteers for the patrol season, which runs from mid-November to mid-March. The junior surf programme begins 8 November for ages 7 – 13, covering foundational water skills and lifeguard training preparation.
Now in his 22nd season with the club, Brendon hopes to grow volunteer numbers to support existing lifeguards and help tackle the unique challenges of patrolling at Whites Bay.
“The biggest issue we have down here is the wind, and people on paddleboards and flotation devices,” he says.
“The wind turns and all of a sudden they get pushed out really quickly, or they’ve gone out and struggle to get back in.”
Training is also open to new patrollers, who take on land-based roles monitoring activity in the water and identifying potential hazards.
As Marlborough’s only surf lifesaving club, Brendon says he is proud to lead a dedicated team of volunteers.
“It’s a great asset for the community,” he says.
“It’s pretty important to keep the numbers coming through” to ensure a well-resourced team and swimmers’ safety throughout the summer season, he adds.
Contact brendon@rarangislsc.org.nz for more information.
