“As surfers we are in the water 365 days a year and are often the first responders to emergencies on beaches and waterways, and that's why the programme is so important to get out into New Zealand's surfing community.”
Two pilot courses were held in Gisborne earlier this year and 17 local surfers took part.
The initiative was piloted in Gisborne with support from Riversun Wainui Surf Life Saving Club.
“As we approach the summer we are planning to run more courses in Gisborne and up the Coast,” SLSNZ club development officer Sonia Keepa said.
“I'm personally really excited to be the lead on this from SLSNZ, coordinating with Surfing NZ and having the opportunity to present courses around the country to our surfers, general water users and coastal-loving communities.”
Andrew McCulloch from Gisborne Boardriders Club took part in the pilot courses here.
“I thought it was great,” he said. “It's been talked about for years.
“It's a great initiative to give surfers really good skills to help someone in the water. Some of the techniques we were shown we would not have thought of otherwise
“We're lucky in Gisborne because a lot of the surfers here have surf lifesaving backgrounds anyway but this programme reaches out to those who do not have the time to commit to lifesaving clubs.”
SLSNZ national coastal safety manager Dr Mick Kearney is aware of the role the surfing community plays in helping save lives.
“I have lost count of the number of times I have seen surfers help someone who is in trouble. Unfortunately, those rescues often go unheard. However, those who have been helped will never forget.
“Surfers save lives. It really is that simple.”
In Australia, more than 60 percent of surf rescues are performed by recreational surfers.
“Those numbers are expected to be similar on our shores, with 90 percent of New Zealand beaches unpatrolled, so it's important for surfers to be better equipped to perform and react in emergency situations at the beach.”
The course techniques taught include board rescues skills and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Courses have already been run at Mount Maunganui, Christchurch and Muriwai, with others planned at Dunedin, Christchurch, Waihi Beach, Whangamata, Onemana, Tairua and Piha, and further interest from several other regions.
