Editorial: Beach patrols need a lifeline

Papamoa Beach

Like thousands of Bay residents, I have been heading to the beach most days to make the most of the warm weather.

The sea conditions have been settled this summer with few signs of the rips that roared across Papamoa Beach last year, which resulted in 37 rescues in one week.

We all know how treacherous the ocean can be and that conditions can change in an instant. Lifeguards can be the difference between life and death for a swimmer caught in a rip or struggling in heavy swells.

It is comforting to know they are on the beaches, ready to act if someone puts up their hand for help.

Last week, Surf Life Saving New Zealand put its hand up for help and it will be interesting to see whether the Government responds.

The Bay of Plenty Times reported the service has launched a bid for ACC funding, as local clubs grapple with a serious cash shortfall.

The funding shortage is so severe that volunteer club members in the Bay are having to pay for their own uniforms and first aid training, and fundraise for crucial items such as trauma packs, defibrillators and even petrol for IRBs (inflatable rescue boats).

The organisation gets a $2 million Lottery Grant each year, with $750,000 split between 73 clubs nationwide. Councils such as Tauranga City give an annual grant to cover the cost of professional lifeguards' wages, Monday to Friday, for about 12 weeks over summer.

All other costs are met by donations, grants and sponsorship, which clubs and the national body has to seek every year.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand chief executive Paul Dalton says the funding model is "extremely challenging".

It is wrong that volunteer guards are paying for their own equipment and for first aid training. Safety on our beaches is an essential, not a nice-to-have.

As this paper has noted before, surf life saving should be supported by central government.

This country is surrounded by water. It's time our Government put some money into this important service.