Lifeguard of the Year says give Surf a hand

The 2013 Lifeguard of the Year has seen his fair share of rescues over his time and now he is urging Kiwis to show their support for the Surf Life Saving Summer Appeal.

Fitzroy Surf Life Saving Club's vice club captain Adam Fraser was named Lifeguard of the Year at the 2013 Awards of Excellence in September. The award is the pinnacle of surf lifesaving in New Zealand and highlights the skill, experience and dedication of the men and women who give up their time to make our beaches safer.

Last season Adam completed over 65 hours of patrol duties supporting his young Patrol Captain. As Vice Club Captain he supported the Club Captain in providing guidance and support for all Fitzroy lifeguards and patrols, often spending many hours in a support role which goes unlogged.

Lifeguards like Adam give up their summer to patrol New Zealand's beaches but they need the public's help to keep them there. There are still a huge range of costs to keep volunteer lifeguards trained and equipped with the gear they need to save lives. 

Surf Life Saving's Summer Appeal is on now and runs through until February 2 including a national street collection next Friday, January 31.

Adam says you don't have to be a lifeguard to be a lifesaver. "Look out for collectors on the streets on January 31 and you too can help save people's lives." Proceeds raised will go towards training lifeguards, the purchase of essential rescue equipment and extending services to meet the growing needs of our communities.

Surf Life Saving is an essential rescue service as well as a charity and we need the public's support to raise money to help lifeguards save more lives on New Zealand's beaches this summer.

For over 100 years, we've kept you safe between the flags. As a charity, your donations have made that possible. Today, our future is in your hands.

There are lots of ways to get involved in the Surf Life Saving Summer Appeal. Look out for collectors on the streets or:

• Text 'SURF' to 933 to make an instant $3 donation  
• Make an online donation here
• Set up an online fundraising page
• Contact your local Surf Life Saving Club to get involved

For more information, please contact:

Lisa Honeybone, Media & Communications Specialist, SLSNZ
Phone 09 303 9335 or 0276 488 823
Email lisa.honeybone@surflifesaving.org.nz