Busy summer keeps lifeguards hopping at Mangawhai Heads

31 Jan, 2022

As our growing town bustled over the summer season, Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service (MHVLS) volunteer lifeguards oversaw some of the busiest days of beach activity the club has experienced in years.

The combination of calm, warm weather and the short-lived freedoms in between Covid stages saw a massive influx of visitors to Mangawhai.

"Touch wood,” said club president Jon Drucker, “We’ve had few major incidents at the beach, especially compared to last summer. Although we have had a packed beach this summer, our lifeguards concentrated on preventative lifeguarding, to keep the folks safe in the water.

"Many days have seen 100 to 150-plus swimmers in the water at the peak of the day. It's been a beautiful summer. The water is 22 degrees, and the waves have been great, so the beach has been a real focal point for everyone here.”

The surf beach was closed over the weekend of January 15-16 due to dangerous conditions created by Tropical Cyclone Cody.

"A risk assessment was undertaken by senior lifeguards on Saturday, and we deemed that conditions were too dangerous for swimming," said Tony Baker. "We had a solid three-metre-plus swell, with strong storm surges and big tides. We felt it best to close the beach and cancel junior surf training.

“At the same time the Pacific was shaken by the volcanic eruption in Tonga, which was followed by tsunami warnings from Civil Defence. This was followed by some of the most spectacular waves this summer, with the swell reaching six metres for a period of time," said Baker.

Alongside the busy season of lifeguarding, the clubs Junior Surf Programme reconvened for 2022 in early January, with upwards of 150 kids at the Sunday morning trainings. A group of 13 competed at the All-In Juniors Carnival, Orewa, January 22.

Additionally, the club is excited to have 12 rookie lifeguards in tow this year.

“The Rookie Programme caters for young members aged 12 to 14 and teaches them a range of lifeguard related skills," says Baker. "A massive shout out to Billy Fulton for driving this, and reinstituting the Rookie Programme after many years of absence.

“Nationally, this summer has had one of the worst drowning rates in years, and our thoughts go out to the families and lifeguards involved," added Baker. "We are fortunate to have not been in that number this summer, and remind visitors of the saying: If in doubt, don't go out.”

n The Surf Life Saving Northern Region lifeguard service will operate 10am-6pm until Friday February 04. MHVLS volunteer lifeguard patrols will operate until Easter 2022. MHVLS thanks the community for their great support. Visit mangawhaisurfclub.org.nz for further info or to support the Mangawhai Heads VLS.

A hot summer, warm water and large crowds have seen local volunteer lifeguards kept busy. PHOTO/MHVLS