Lion's share of support for surf clubs

From left, Nigel Kurzfeld, Paul Read, Brian Dey, Glenn Bradley, Glenys Westlake, Shirley Richardson and Coleen Lloyd. Photo: ROSIE DAWSON-HEWES

Local book-lovers have ensured they'll be kept safe at the beach next summer, after spending up large at the Mount Maunganui Lions and Lionesses' second-hand book sale over Anniversary weekend in January.

The Lions and Lioness Clubs will donate some the proceeds from the sale, which has been running for 15 years, to Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service and Omanu Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.

Omanu chairman Paul Read says the club got partial funding from a gaming trust and the Lions/Lionesses are topping up $4000 so the club can buy a new inflatable rescue boat (IRB). He says the IRBs need to be replaced every three to four years.

"After a certain amount of hours they reach a point of unreliability, and the problem with that is we need them to be reliable  When you go and put it in the water, it needs to start."

The new boat means the club will have two IRBs available for call-outs, as search and rescue is done in pairs, as well as one IRB at the club for patrolling and a back-up in case of gear failure.

"They're the single biggest asset we have, in terms of rescue, and that's why we're very grateful when we get funding for them," Paul says.

He says it's been a busy season, with storms creating interesting rips and trenches along the coast that require constant monitoring and adjustments.

Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service general manager Glenn Bradley says it's fantastic to have the support of the Lions and Lionesses.

"We spoke about a number of things that were on our wish list and [a defibrillator] was one that appealed to them and it worked for us, so that was great," he says.

Glenn says a new defibrillator will mean the club has a complete trauma pack and defibrillator units for the three all-terrain vehicles stationed along the beach, as well as a fourth kit at the club.

It means when one is needed, it will be immediately available. "Any situation where you need to be using a defibrillator, you need to have it there, right there and then."

He says the Mount club is in a unique position where it not only patrols the beach, but is often the first response unit for emergencies that take place up Mauao or on its base track.

"We've got to make sure we've got the equipment to cater to emergencies in any of those scenarios," Glenn says.

Mount Lioness Club treasurer Glenys Westlake says they're stoked to be able to help the clubs with such vital equipment.

"It's good we've been able to help both clubs because they're in our local community, and that's what we like to do -- put money back into our community for the local people," she says.