21 September 2011

Auckland MP Gets a Lesson in Safe Boating With Coastguard

Te Atatu MP and Labour party spokesperson for Auckland issues, Phil Twyford, was shown first hand by Coastguard what it takes to keep Aucklanders safe on the water today.

Mr Twyford was taken out on NZCT North Shore Rescue by volunteers from Coastguard North Shore and Interim Chief Executive Officer for Coastguard Northern Region, Joe Davis, and shown how the charity provides assistance to Kiwis.

The local MP was first given a tour of Coastguard’s Auckland based Regional Communications Centre before being taken out on the Waitemata Harbour.

Mr Twyford said that the experience was a real eye-opener into the effort of Coastguard’s volunteers and the contribution they make to their local communities.

“Thousands of men and women around New Zealand risk their lives volunteering for Coastguard to save others in trouble on the water. To see what is involved in keeping Kiwis safe at sea has been a truly humbling experience.”

Mr Davis says with Coastguard’s busiest time of year just around the corner, it’s great to have the opportunity to show our volunteers that they have the support of the Government both on a local and national level.

“Over the past year our volunteers have invested 348,346 hours of their time to making sure that New Zealander’s are kept safe on our harbours, lakes, and rivers. It’s important for them to know that their dedication and contribution to keeping Kiwis safe on the water is recognised.

“Summer is almost here so we hope that during our busiest time, local MP’s like Mr Twyford will help Coastguard to further educate their local communities about safe boating.”

During his time with Coastguard Mr Twyford also took the opportunity to explore the local waterways around his Te Atatu electorate including Henderson Creek.

“It was great to have the opportunity to see a different side of Te Atatu – the peninsula and the nearby waterways are a popular summer recreational boating and fishing area so to visit these areas with Coastguard volunteers and gain some knowledge into what they do to ensure these spots can be enjoyed safely was invaluable,” says Mr Twyford.

Coastguard volunteers from 71 rescue units located around the nation’s coast and inland waterways participated in 3,337 rescue missions, with 1,647 of these taking place in Auckland.

About Coastguard New Zealand
Coastguard is the charity that provides New Zealand’s primary maritime search and rescue service. The organisation operates from a network of four regions and 71 affiliated units, located around the coastline and major lakes of New Zealand. Coastguard New Zealand is a volunteer organisation with a charitable status. It has more than 18,000 supporter members and 2,146 active Professional Volunteers who provide over 350,000 hours of their time each year to educate, protect and help save lives at sea. Coastguard performs over 3,000 rescues each year assisting over 6,000 New Zealanders. There are currently 72 dedicated rescue vessels in Coastguard New Zealand’s fleet, 10 air patrol units and one dedicated communications unit. All crew members on board Coastguard vessels and air patrol craft are trained search and rescue personnel working to enhance the safety of all New Zealanders when they participate in boating and water activities.

ENDS

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