Lifeguard of the Year says give Surf a hand

Hot Water Beach SLSC chairman Gary Hinds. Photo by: Stephen A'Court.

The 2012 Lifeguard of the Year has seen his fair share of rescues over time and as Surf Life Saving's National Appeal draws closer he is urging Kiwi's to put on their jandals and show their support for Lifeguards.

Hot Water Beach Surf Life Saving Club chairman Gary Hinds has managed to clock up 342 national Lifeguard service hours alongside 142 volunteer patrol hours. He has also clocked up 92 beach education hours working with the local schools and qualified 15 new Lifeguards he recruited from local schools.

Lifeguards like Gary give up their summer to patrol New Zealand's beaches and they need the public's help to keep them there.

Surf Life Saving's National Appeal is on from December 2-8 with National Jandal Day, proudly supported by Principal Sponsor State Insurance, taking place on Friday December 7.

Gary says you don't have to be a Lifeguard to be a lifesaver. "Look out for collectors on the streets on December 7 and you too can help save people's lives." Proceeds raised will go directly towards training Lifeguards, the purchase of essential rescue equipment and extending services to meet the growing needs of our communities.

Just like the beach, Jandal Day is for everyone- so people are encouraged to wear their favourite jandals and be part of the fun. The day is both a celebration and a reminder of the great work Surf Lifeguards do.

The new Jandal Day website includes a range of exciting features and you can donate via your smartphone or simply text 'surf' to 4483 to give. Some of the features include the ability for individuals to create their own supporters' page and lay down a challenge to others to raise funds and set their own targets that links to the Hero Meter- a personalised visual representation of each team or individual's fundraising efforts.

There are lots of other ways to get involved. Look out for collectors on the streets or make a donation:

• Online at www.surflifesaving.org.nz
• Text the word SURF to 4483 to make an instant $3 donation.
• Post your donation to: Surf Life Saving, PO Box 9205, Wellington 6141, Freepost 100280.
• Making a donation at your local State Insurance branch.
• Drop some cash into KFC's in-store and drive through donation buckets.
  Purchase jandals from any Quiksilver store.
• There are a large range of businesses and stores supporting Appeal Week, so whether you are near a club or not you can still give generously.