It was a busy period for our volunteers. A few highlights:
Paraglider rescue training: we worked with the local paraglider club to develop rescue techniques for pilots ditched at sea – invaluable learning for both pilots and Coastguard on handling these life-threatening situations.
LandSAR dog team training exercise: included taking the rescue dogs and handlers on our vessels. These sessions are all about making sure we can work together seamlessly during an emergency, humans and dogs!
We launched our major Slipway Project: currently, rock buildup is preventing our all-weather vessel Blue Arrow Rescue from launching at low tide – we need to build a new launching system to keep the slipway operational 24/7.
Super soiree: we raised around $20,000 on the night from our fundraising soiree, featuring guest speaker para-swimmer Dame Sophie Pascoe plus an art auction.
New crew: we welcomed four new recruits to our volunteer boat crew, plus a new shore crew volunteer.
SAREX training with Sumner-Taylors Surf SAR Squad: Based at Diamond Harbour, we practised search and rescue operations with multiple casualties. We also deployed our drone for aerial searching including night-time exercises, jointly building essential skills.
Rescue, 13 April: A surfer off Scarborough breakwater – hypothermic but made a full recovery thanks to our quick response.
VIP visits: a visit by Mark Mitchell (Minister for Police and for Emergency Management and Recovery) and senior Coastguard management: We joined Coastguard North Canterbury (Kaiapoi) and Coastguard Canterbury (Lyttelton) to demonstrate the important role Coastguard volunteers and specialist teams play in providing the Canterbury emergency marine response.
Community event: We took part in the ANZAC parade in Sumner, an important event we attend every year.
Evening callout, 28 April: Diverted from training to assist a boat in difficulty near Naval Point – we got them home safely as darkness fell.
All volunteer-powered. Great mahi, team.