NEW RESCUE BOAT LAUNCHED AT TAHUNANUI BEACH
NEW RESCUE BOAT FOR NELSON
On 24 September 2010 Nelson Surf Life Saving Club launched its new surf rescue boat at Tahunanui Beach. The $40,000 boat, funded by NZCT (New Zealand Community Trust), enables the club to continue to quickly respond to marine emergencies in the Nelson region. It replaces the club’s current rescue craft which has reached the end of its operational life.
Nelson Surf Life Saving Club president Marcus Gardner says the new boat will be a great asset and is a much needed upgrade.
“Our old boat has been the primary fast response in-shore search and rescue vessel in the Nelson area for many years, attending more than 70 percent of all callouts,” says Mr Gardner. “It was often used to do beach patrols in the Tahunanui Beach area – rescuing kite surfers, kayakers and other recreational water users. But, all this work has taken its toll. The boat had had several rebuilds and was on to its fourth engine. It really needed replacing – and we are rapt NZCT was able to help us.”
The new boat, which will be blessed by Archdeacon Harvey Ruru and officially launched by Deputy Mayor Rachel Reese, is faster, lighter and easier to launch than its predecessor.
“Most importantly, it can right itself and restart the engine if it rolls - which the old one couldn’t do,” says Mr Gardner. “This is a relief for crew who often get called out at night in rough seas. The new boat also has better fuel economy, better crew seating and can carry patients on a stretcher. All round it’s a much easier vessel to work with and is a welcome addition to the club.
“We are a busy club - our members attend a water-related incident for every 8.8 volunteer hours we spend doing patrols - the highest rate in the country,” he says. “We have an experienced team which is dedicated to keeping the public safe. This new boat is a great boost and will give us confidence and assurance that we are well equipped to handle any rescue situation that arises.”
Paul Matheson, former Mayor of Nelson and current NZCT Regional Advisory Committee Chairman, says NZCT is proud to be involved in this project.
“NZCT is a great supporter of community and sports groups in the Nelson area” says Mr Matheson. “There’s no doubt this new boat will be instrumental in saving lives on our rivers and along our coastline. We believe this is an important community asset and we are pleased we were able to support it. I’d like to thank our local publicans who raised the funds for this vessel at their gaming venues. We couldn’t have done this without them.”
