This has been one of the wettest, windiest summers Trust Waikato
Whangamata Surf Life Saving Club has seen in years. But James Bray
[Head Lifeguard] has still had an exciting summer, watching all of
our new lifeguard's progress and develop their skills within our
club. James' highlight of the summer has been having our new
'grubs' learn from our professional lifeguards the skills they need
to keep our beach safe. The highest head count our beach has seen
this summer has been a low 3,000; which is extremely quiet compared
to previous years. James' lowlight has been that they have had to
patrol between the flags in the wet windy weather that has hit us.
Our head guard wants to let all beach goers know that there are
some strong rip currents on our beach, especially at beach access
6, and between beach access 8 and 9. So for a message to everyone
'Learn to recognise rip currents, if in doubt stay out'.
Head Lifeguard James Bray
It has also been a busy season for our Junior Surf Co-ordinator
Rachelle Bright who now has four coaches to assist her throughout
the summer. This summer the kids have been focusing on the 10 surf
sense rules as well as boosting their confidence in the water. Some
children come along and are too afraid to enter the water, but by
the end of their summer break it is hard to get them out of it.
Rachelle's assistant coaches are Josie Lipscombe, Lucy Gill, Oliver
Wright, and Sam Barclay. Although there has been a low number of
kids this year; with the highest count at 70 in one day; the
coaches have been busy keeping the kids safe in the large surf
Whangamata has been hit with this summer. The Coromandel Cup was
postponed due to the weather and the possibility of Rena debris
hitting our beach, but it is looking like it will be run
anniversary weekend.
The new coaches highlights have been watching the kids up skill in
both beach and water activities, and they have enjoyed working
alongside Rachelle Bright.
The club would like to welcome the 20 new lifeguards that have
qualified this summer, and we look forward to training up new
lifeguards in the near future.
Enjoy the rest of your summer - from the team at WSLSC
