Whangamata Life Guard service extended

The Life Guard service at Whangamata has been extended to include the wharf and harbour beaches.

An explosion in numbers enjoying the more sheltered bay and wharf jumping zones this holiday period has prompted the decision by Area Manager Garry Towler to go to the Community Board for Discretionary Fund support to get a professional life guard and volunteer on site.

"With the extended fine weather and cool on shore breeze, upwards of 400 people per day are making their way to the harbour beaches," says Mr Towler.

"The rise in numbers using the harbour beaches increases the risks not only to those in the water but to boaties and charter operators using the wharf as well. This past week there have been more people at the wharf beaches than on the main beach, so life guard support became critical."

Swift action by the Whangamata Community Board, who, over the weekend approved financial support and to Regional Surf Life Saving.

"I want to thank the whole Community Board who made the extra support able to happen in just 24 hours," Mr Towler added.

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