SURF LIFESAVING
Far North Surf Rescue was pleasantly surprised when a letter arrived last week announcing it had won the London Trophy.
The letter from Paul Dalton, CEO of SLSNZ (Surf Life Saving New Zealand), congratulated the Ahipara-based organisation - the only surf rescue patrol operating in the Far North - for its achievement.
"This trophy recognises Far North Surf Rescue as having achieved the most Surf Lifeguard and Instructor Awards per capita of members. This is an an outstanding achievement and illustrates your members' dedication and commitment to the surf life saving movement."
Dalton signed off by inviting club representatives to be present at the DHL In It for Life Awards luncheon in Wellington on Saturday, September 22, to receive the prestigious trophy.
At this stage, FNSR chairman Simon Smith and his partner Liz Arcus - self-described as club spokesperson, secretary and general "dog's body" - will travel to receive the London Trophy later this month.
Arcus said the news came as a bit of a pleasant shock to everyone. She noted the club had produced eight qualified guards at the start of the 2011/12 season last summer, and most had gone on to qualify for their crew awards while three - who were racing in this year's IRB Challenge (see below) - had qualified as drivers.
This award was fair recognition of the work the club had done over the past few seasons to raise its profile both locally and nationally, in particular thanks to the efforts of club captain, "senior" guard and resident instructor, Josh Harvey. The 19-year-old, however, was typically unassuming about the role he'd played in developing the local lifeguard-base.
FNSR was also hoping to rectify a conspicuous absence among the winners in the SLSNZ annual awards earlier this year. Meanwhile, with the summer season looming, FNSR was preparing to begin its weekly Nippers programme on Sunday mornings from October 28 by holding a registration day and sausage sizzle; while the timeframe for the summer patrol season will be confirmed shortly once finalised by SLS Northern Region.
IRB race
In other FNSR news, the local organisation will enter a team of three local lifeguards - Tyler Harrison, Owen Peters and Anaru Williams - in the annual 90 Mile Beach IRB Challenge on September 15. The gruelling race - celebrating its 20th anniversary this year - starts at Scott's Point some time around midday.
A fleet already at 29 IRBs (inflatable rescue boats) and counting, coming from surf lifesaving organisations around the North Island, will race south, parallel inside the shoredump, for the finish at Ahipara.
The first boats were expected to finish inside three hours depending on conditions. More on the event will feature in next week's edition.