The Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service has launched a major fundraising appeal after a ‘double-whammy' of a summer.

One of the busiest patrol seasons on record, in terms of rescues and responses, has been coupled with a Covid-infused shock to the club's income, with function bookings way down.

It's left the club with a tough outlook for the off-season, when crucial training is done by lifeguards to help save lives during summer.

'Covid has hit so many workplaces and businesses and, unfortunately, we're no exception,” says MMLS chairperson Jamie Troughton.

'We're well down on function and bar income because of Covid and our normal fundraising activities have been put on hold because of the extra safety protocols put on staff and volunteers. That's why we're leading up to Easter with a big push, asking local businesses and individuals to support us as much as they can.”

While many usual summer events were postponed or cancelled this year, the beach and water proved the notable exception, especially during the key January holiday period.

Searing sunshine hours and balmy water temperatures made for one of the busiest seasons ever, says Jamie, with more rescues than the past two seasons combined and more patient assists than the past three seasons combined.

'It's also been busy on the flanks of Mauao, where lifeguards also respond to incidents and rescues.”

In all, the club recorded 38 rescues for the season and 220 people were assisted to safety. There were 78 first aid incidents, as well as 22 searches for missing people.

The club has set a fundraising target of $100,000 to get through winter, when voluntary patrols are finished but call-outs are still frequent and intensive lifeguard training begins.

'The borders are likely to be fully open by next summer, with international visitors returning to our beaches, and we want to be in the best shape possible, to keep people safe on the beach,” says Jamie. 'To do that, we need help – it's absolutely crucial we get that support back from our community.”

To donate funds to Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service, visit: www.mountlifeguards.co.nz/donate-now Or call: 07 575 5595