UK and US lifeguards among paid line-up

The lifeguards to patrol the city and Tolaga Bay beaches through the peak summer period during the week have started work. They are pictured with, at left, Nick Wagstaff (assistant lifesaving manager, Eastern Region SLSNZ) and right, Jess Buscke (paid lifeguard service supervisor, Gisborne/Tairāwhiti SLSNZ). The lifeguards are, back row, from left, Sean Gray, Ryder Taylor, Charles Sachs, Tyron Evans, Theo Weatherley and Benjamin Grant. In front, from left, are Sierra Blumfield, Lillian Sustaita, Shaun Neale, Ruby Lobb and Bella Fitzharris-Stevens. (Absent: Hue Cowie, Kerehama Blackman, Costa Blackman, Tawhiri Kirikiri, Hannah Webb and Ella van Kregten). Picture supplied

The week-day paid surf lifeguards have started patrols on Gisborne and Tolaga Bay beaches. They will be on duty until near the end of January.

A 17-strong team of lifeguards were inducted into their roles on Monday and Tuesday, and patrols started yesterday.

“This year we have four lifeguards from the United Kingdom and two from the US in the team,” said SLSNZ club development officer for Gisborne Tairāwhiti, Jessica Buscke.

“In addition we have the local expertise of lifeguards from all three town clubs and Ūawa Tiaki Tai/Tolaga Bay.

“These lifeguards have been selected for their high level of New Zealand-based and international lifeguarding experience, and they will be continuing to add to their qualifications over the season with regular training sessions around their paid shifts,” she said.

“Our paid lifeguard service will be operational Mondays to Fridays, 10am to 6pm, at Midway, Waikanae, Wainui, and Ūawa/Tolaga Bay.

“The lifeguards will be very visible in their yellow and red uniforms, and they will be working closely with our local emergency services.”

Mrs Buscke said it appeared that we might be in for a long, hot summer.

“Please remember when you’re visiting our beaches, always swim between the yellow and red flags, listen to advice from lifeguards, ensure an adult is within arm’s reach of young children who are swimming and if in doubt, stay out of the water. If you see someone in trouble, call 111.”

The surf lifesaving clubs will continue to operate at their home beaches at the weekends through  into March.