$25K modified jet ski for rescuers

GAME CHANGER: A specialised jet ski will join the life-saving tool box of the Bream Bay's surf patrol this summer, following a massive fundraising effort. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Zero drownings at Bream Bay this summer has been the mantra keeping a massive jet ski fundraising mission afloat.

As a result, a $25,000 specially modified craft will be ready to take to the water within a fortnight.

The Northern Advocate joined forces with Whangarei Lions and Surf Life Saving New Zealand to get the money for the potentially life-saving jet ski after two people drowned in Bream Bay last summer in areas away from surf patrols.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand's club development manager northern region David Butt said the jet ski would be a game changer for safety in the area.

"Bream Bay is a massive stretch of water and we only have two clubs, Ruakaka and Waipu, up there so that makes it patrolling difficult.

"The ski gives us that roaming ability and speedy response. The idea is to be on the water during those busy periods, preventing incidents and talking to people in dangerous spots. It's not an 'in between the flags' vessel."

Jet-ski patrols had been successful on Auckland west coast beaches for the past decade and were deemed suitable for the wide expanse of Bream Bay.

Rugby league legend Steve Price, who now lives at Waipu, spoke out in support of the campaign after reflecting on the devastation he felt following the drowning of his friend and teammate Sonny Fai in 2009. The jet ski would likely be based at Ruakaka and could go as far as Whangarei Heads when required.

Whangarei Lions Club spokesman Jack Broome said most of the money was raised by Whangarei Racing Club and four Lions clubs.

"If just one life is saved by this ski becoming a reality we all need to feel very proud. We too often take for granted the things Surf Life Saving and similar organisations do. They're all things that make up our community, and the support they require financially is often a lot less than what they receive."

Parahaki Engineering had given a discount on the construction of a launching trailer for the jetski, which will have the Northern Advocate and Whangarei Lions' logos on it.