Support from Port Taranaki will help the East End Surf Life Saving Club get their inflatable rescue boats (IRBs) safely to the region’s beaches during summer.
The club, which provides a voluntary lifeguard service at East End, water safety cover at events, and has several members in the on-call Taranaki Rescue Squad, has purchased a covered trailer to transport the club’s IRBs to events, incidents and competitions.
“We were very fortunate to receive partial funding from Lottery NZ, but that left us with a shortfall in order to complete the project,” says the club’s powercraft officer Scott Nelson.
“We reached out to Port Taranaki and a number of generous sponsors. This support, together with the club’s own fundraising, allowed the shortfall to be covered.
“The trailer prevents wear and tear on the IRBs during transport and makes it easier for us to deploy around the region. It will make a big difference for many years to come,” says Scott.
The trailer was used for the first time by volunteer lifeguards honing their IRB skills at the National IRB Championships in April.
Port Taranaki head of commercial Ross Dingle says the company was very happy to help out.
“Port Taranaki operates in the marine environment and we like to support organisations and community groups that have a connection to the water, particularly with a focus on water safety,” Ross says.
“We have supported the East End Surf Life Saving Club in the past and thought this was a fantastic asset to the club and community. We really enjoy being able to help out and hope the trailer is a valuable addition to the club for many years to come.”
Photo: Port Taranaki head of commercial Ross Dingle, left, and Port Taranaki chief executive Simon Craddock check out the new trailer alongside East End Surf Life Saving Club powercraft officer Scott Nelson and club chairman Mark Birdsall.
