Today, 6 April 2008, Northern Region volunteer surf lifeguards put their red and yellow flags out for the last time - finishing one of the busiest summers on record.
The 1200 lifeguards patrolling from Raglan to the Far North saved 960 lives this season – a 48% increase on last year’s statistics.
Safety interventions, which are a key measure of lifeguard workload, were up by 60% with 153,962 preventative actions undertaken compared to 95,787 last summer.
Surf Life Saving Northern Region Lifesaving Manager, Dean Storey, says this is because the consistently good weather saw an increase in beach user numbers.
“The incredible weather this season has meant extra pressure on volunteer lifeguards, their equipment and resources.”
"The role surf lifeguards play in the community over the summer months makes surf life saving an essential emergency service. Volunteer lifeguards should be commended for their hard work and long hours."
Over the winter months members of the public can report a water rescue emergency by calling 111 and asking for police.
ENDS
More Information:
2007/2008 Season
Statistics by beach:
Total (All Northern Region beaches)
Total Hours worked: 71521
Total No. of Rescues: 960
Total No. of First Aids: 751
Total No. of Searches: 147
Safety Interventions (Preventative Actions): 153962
Far North
Total Hours worked: 841
Total No. of Rescues: 1
Total No. of First Aids: 9
Total No. of Searches: 0
Safety Interventions (Preventative Actions): 603
Whangarei
Total Hours worked: 3666
Total No. of Rescues: 40
Total No. of First Aids: 26
Total No. of Searches: 1
Safety Interventions (Preventative Actions): 3325
Ruakaka
Total Hours worked: 3225
Total No. of Rescues: 11
Total No. of First Aids: 26
Total No. of Searches: 4
Safety Interventions (Preventative Actions): 2091
Waipu Cove
Total Hours worked: 3079
Total No. of Rescues: 25
Total No. of First Aids: 43
Total No. of Searches: 5
Safety Interventions (Preventative Actions): 2961
Mangawhai
Total Hours worked: 3396
Total No. of Rescues: 64
Total No. of First Aids: 43
Total No. of Searches: 3
Safety Interventions (Preventative Actions): 5975
Omaha
Total Hours worked: 3020
Total No. of Rescues: 18
Total No. of First Aids: 42
Total No. of Searches: 6
Safety Interventions (Preventative Actions): 5405
Orewa
Total Hours worked: 3233
Total No. of Rescues: 29
Total No. of First Aids: 93
Total No. of Searches: 14
Safety Interventions (Preventative Actions): 3370
Red Beach
Total Hours worked: 2447
Total No. of Rescues: 2
Total No. of First Aids: 13
Total No. of Searches: 4
Safety Interventions (Preventative Actions): 210
Long Bay
Total Hours worked: 524
Total No. of Rescues: 0
Total No. of First Aids: 12
Total No. of Searches: 8
Safety Interventions (Preventative Actions): 867
Browns Bay
Total Hours worked: 516
Total No. of Rescues: 1
Total No. of First Aids: 10
Total No. of Searches: 4
Safety Interventions (Preventative Actions): 877
Mairangi Bay
Total Hours worked: 3084
Total No. of Rescues: 7
Total No. of First Aids: 31
Total No. of Searches: 2
Safety Interventions (Preventative Actions): 930
Milford
Total Hours worked: 534
Total No. of Rescues: 2
Total No. of First Aids: 4
Total No. of Searches: 0
Safety Interventions (Preventative Actions): 453
Takapuna
Total Hours worked: 559
Total No. of Rescues: 0
Total No. of First Aids: 7
Total No. of Searches: 3
Safety Interventions (Preventative Actions): 712
Muriwai
Total Hours worked: 6756
Total No. of Rescues: 130
Total No. of First Aids: 79
Total No. of Searches: 16
Safety Interventions (Preventative Actions): 26612
Bethells
Total Hours worked: 4659
Total No. of Rescues: 63
Total No. of First Aids: 32
Total No. of Searches: 8
Safety Interventions (Preventative Actions): 7378
United (South Piha)
Total Hours worked: 5572
Total No. of Rescues: 34
Total No. of First Aids: 30
Total No. of Searches: 7
Safety Interventions (Preventative Actions): 8901
Piha
Total Hours worked: 9000
Total No. of Rescues: 230
Total No. of First Aids: 104
Total No. of Searches: 14
Safety Interventions (Preventative Actions): 29082
Karekare
Total Hours worked: 4004
Total No. of Rescues: 38
Total No. of First Aids: 17
Total No. of Searches: 5
Safety Interventions (Preventative Actions): 4699
Kariaotahi
Total Hours worked: 4482
Total No. of Rescues: 41
Total No. of First Aids: 39
Total No. of Searches: 7
Safety Interventions (Preventative Actions): 10392
Sunset
Total Hours worked: 3271
Total No. of Rescues: 58
Total No. of First Aids: 18
Total No. of Searches: 3
Safety Interventions (Preventative Actions): 13269
Raglan
Total Hours worked: 4884
Total No. of Rescues: 131
Total No. of First Aids: 66
Total No. of Searches: 14
Safety Interventions (Preventative Actions): 23657