Media Release

January 13, 2008

Busy Day on Northern Region Beaches

Today (January 13, 2008) was the busiest day so far this summer for volunteer lifeguards on the 21 patrolled Northern Region beaches from Raglan to the Far North.

Thirty-six rescues were made and 34 first aid measures were undertaken.

Stunning weather meant large crowds on the beaches with more than 2000 people reported at Waipu Cove, United North Piha and Orewa, and over 3000 people at Muriwai.

Surf lifeguards responded to five major incidents including a sudden cardiac arrest on a boat at Manu Bay Raglan, a dislocated shoulder at United North Piha, another dislocated shoulder at Piha, an unwell male with a history of cardiac problems at Browns Bay and a crashed paraglider with suspected spinal injuries at Mangawhai Heads.

Surf Life Saving Northern Region Lifesaving Manager, Dean Storey, says days like today make volunteer lifeguards worth their weight in gold.

"I would like to extend a huge thanks to every volunteer lifeguard that gives up their time to ensure beachgoers are kept safe.

Days like today demonstrate how important dedicated and committed volunteer surf lifesavers are to the community."

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Gordon Campbell: On The Political Donations Scandals

Even paranoids have real enemies. While there has been something delusionary about the way New Zealand First has been living in denial about its donations scandal, one can sympathise with its indignation about Paula Bennett and Simon Bridges being among its chief accusers. Given that the National Party is enmeshed in a donation scandal of its own that shares the same core features, it is a bit like Al Capone being accused of wrongdoing by Bonnie and Clyde. Unfortunately, the entire country seems to be living in denial about the existence of these sort of shenanigans... More>>

First Published on Werewolf here