Discover the Paekākāriki Surf Lifesaving Club: Your Local Hub for Water Safety
Joining sunseekers on New Zealand beaches this summer will be about 4500 volunteer surf lifeguards, dedicated to keeping beachgoers safe. Amidst the 74 surf lifesaving clubs in Aotearoa, RNZ’s Saturday Morning is embarking on a journey to explore each club’s unique offerings, starting with Paekākāriki Surf Lifeguards.
Established in 1913, Paekākāriki Surf Lifeguards hold the title of being New Zealand’s oldest surf club located outside a metropolitan area. Despite facing challenges due to recent storms and coastal erosion, the club remains resilient and committed to its mission of ensuring water safety for all visitors.
Stormy Skies and Windy Waters: Weather Challenges at Paekākāriki Beach
Club chair Matt Warren described the recent weather conditions as “a bit wild,” with a southerly storm creating messy waters and chilly air. Despite the unfavorable swimming conditions, windsurfers and windfoils enthusiasts flocked to the beach, embracing the wind and waves. The dedicated lifeguards at Paekākāriki Surf Lifeguards vigilantly monitored the water, ensuring the safety of all beachgoers.
Dedicated Lifeguards and Eager Nippers: A Family-Oriented Community
With a team of 80 volunteer lifeguards and around 400 members, including many juniors, Paekākāriki Surf Lifeguards embodies a strong sense of community and family spirit. The club serves as a training ground for aspiring lifeguards and hosts various competitions locally and internationally. Despite facing challenges such as the lack of a permanent clubhouse, the club’s members have remained steadfast in their commitment to beach safety.
Facing Challenges and Embracing Resilience: The Road Ahead for Paekākāriki Surf Lifeguards
After enduring four years without a building due to coastal erosion, Paekākāriki Surf Lifeguards are actively fundraising for a new clubhouse. Despite the setbacks, the club’s members have persevered, utilizing shipping containers and makeshift facilities to ensure beach safety. The community’s resilience and unwavering dedication to water safety serve as a testament to the club’s enduring spirit.
In the midst of adversity, Paekākāriki Surf Lifeguards stand as a beacon of hope and safety for beachgoers, embodying the true essence of volunteerism and community spirit. As they continue their mission to protect and serve, the club’s legacy of commitment to water safety remains unwavering.