The summer season lifeguard patrols have kicked off across Hawke's Bay's beaches and among the devoted team of volunteers is Debbie Moodie who is Surf Life Saving Hawke's Bay club support officer, a role she stepped into in August. She has been involved in the administration side of surf life saving in the region for 15 years. Roger Moroney caught up with Debbie for this week's five questions.
1 It is important for youngsters to be comfortable in the surf - are training and educational programmes for the young a strong part of a club's activities?
Oh definitely, very much so. Beach education programmes are run with the schools for children aged 7 and upwards. The schools book in with the club and they will run them through programmes which focus on several different activities. We look to make it fun as well as educational to get them involved, and on Sunday morning clubs run Junior Surf programmes.
2 How many club members are involved in being part of the Pacific patrols and what sort of age range is there?
I was involved with the Westshore club for several years and they would have around 200 to 250 members - there would be around 800 across the region I'd say, and they are volunteers. There's a motto "In it For Life" and a lot start when they're little and go right through and later take on officers' roles and become involved in the running of it. But we've got some in their 60s who still patrol and go through refresher courses every year.
3 All beaches are different so what's the best advice for people arriving for a swim at a beach they are unfamiliar with?