Maketu Surf Life Saving Club, located in the beautiful coastal town of Maketu, is an integral part of the Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) organisation. With a rich history dating back to 1910, this charity has been dedicated to saving lives for over a century.
The club boasts a dedicated team of 4,500 volunteer surf lifeguards who tirelessly patrol over 90 beaches from Northland to Southland. These skilled lifeguards have been instrumental in saving an average of 1,000 people from life-threatening situations each year. Their presence ensures that beachgoers can enjoy their time at the beach with the peace of mind that trained professionals are watching over them.
Beyond their vital surf lifeguard duties, Maketu Surf Life Saving Club offers a wide range of services. They provide emergency search and rescue services, conducting coastal safety assessments and public education initiatives. Moreover, the club is committed to beach safety programmes, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to stay safe in and around the water.
One of the key aspects of Maketu Surf Life Saving Club is their unwavering support and training for their dedicated volunteers. By providing ongoing training and support throughout the year, the club ensures their lifeguards are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to keep beachgoers safe. This commitment is fundamental to the club's mission of ensuring that everyone who visits the beach returns home safely to their loved ones.
The club takes great pride in their impressive statistics from the previous season. Over 225,000 patrol hours were dedicated to safeguarding the beach, with more than 90 patrol sites manned by surf lifeguards. Importantly, no drownings occurred between the red and yellow flags, underlining the effectiveness of their vigilance. The lifeguards made an incredible 1,499 rescues, performed 30,954 preventative actions, and provided 1,777 first aid treatments.
These numbers showcase the dedication and expertise of the lifeguards at Maketu Surf Life Saving Club.
By supporting and donating to Surf Life Saving New Zealand, community members can play a crucial role in reducing the number of beach drownings in New Zealand. The club relies on the generosity of individuals and organisations to continue their lifesaving work. Donations are a tangible way for people to contribute to the safety and preservation of New Zealand's coastlines.
Maketu Surf Life Saving Club is proud to work in partnership with major sponsors who share their commitment to beach safety. The club acknowledges the invaluable support of these partners in helping them achieve their lifesaving goals.
For support and counselling services, Maketu Surf Life Saving Club members can access fully funded counselling and wellbeing resources through Benestar. This service is available to all active and current members, as well as their immediate families. Additionally, the club has a dedicated team of Peer Supporters, specially trained members who can provide support on various issues, including mental health concerns and traumatic incidents.
In summary, Maketu Surf Life Saving Club is an essential part of the Surf Life Saving New Zealand organisation. With a dedicated team of volunteer surf lifeguards, they provide vital lifesaving services, coastal safety assessments, public education initiatives, and beach safety programmes. By supporting this club, individuals can contribute to the noble cause of preventing beach drownings and ensuring the safety of all beachgoers.