T R U S T W A I K A T O
A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 1 / 2 0 1 2
Keeping
the region’s surf lifesaving
clubs strong, so that our beaches
remain safe, is the reason Trust
Waikato both sponsors and donates
to all nine Waikato clubs. Since 2000,
Trust Waikato has provided three-
yearly sponsorship for the clubs at
Hot Water Beach, Onemana, Pauanui,
Raglan, Sunset Beach, Tairua, Waihi,
Whangamata and Whiritoa. It’s an
association we’re proud of: a true
life-saving partnership.
Trust Waikato chair Clint Baddeley
says, “It’s a privilege to be part of these
organisations that save lives, engage
young people, encourage volunteering,
build community spirit and make lasting
differences to people’s lives – all the things
Trust Waikato aims for.”
With a primary aim of keeping people safe
in the surf, the clubs put in a huge number
of volunteer patrol hours during weekends
and school holidays from Labour weekend
through to Easter each year. Some of the
more popular beaches attract thousands of
visitors on a summer’s day. It is not unusual
for clubs to carry out hundreds of rescues
and thousands of preventative actions
during a season.
Apart from beach patrols, there are
many other activities that make up a surf
lifesaving club. Programmes often include
first aid courses, VHF radio and inflatable
rescue boat training, beach education
days, search and rescue, and swim safe
programmes for local schools. Annual junior
surf programmes to teach kids surf skills
and safety and foster rookie lifeguards, are
also important parts of the clubs’ work.
We believe the clubs’ work is crucial. That’s
why Trust Waikato provided over $100,000
in sponsorship last year, as well as project-
specific donations for individual clubs.
It’s a privilege to be part
of these organisations
that encourage
volunteering, build
community spirit and
make lasting differences
to people’s lives
Surf Lifesaving
Clubs
D o n a t i o n S t o r i e s
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