The East End Surf Life Saving Club will begin the summer season with 10 new life jackets thanks to the support of Port Taranaki.

A long-time East End SLSC supporter, Port Taranaki has sponsored the purchase of the much-needed life jackets, which will be used for inflatable rescue boat (IRB) patrols and training.

“We’re extremely grateful for the support of Port Taranaki,” East End SLSC grants co-ordinator and patrol captain Hywel Davies said.

“Our life jackets are falling into disrepair and wouldn’t be usable after this year, so this sponsorship is much appreciated and ensures our members have safe, modern equipment when they are patrolling or training.

“Having more life jackets on hand also means we can include more young people in our IRB training.”

Port Taranaki head of commercial Ross Dingle said the port was more than happy to help out.

“We’ve been a supporter of East End for a long time, and they do a great job during the summer months helping keep our beaches safe,” he said.

“As a company involved in the marine industry, we like to support community organisations involved in marine safety. It’s vital that these fantastic volunteers who keep us, the public, safe are also safe when they are patrolling, so we’re really pleased to be able to provide the club with these life jackets.”

East End SLSC has 320 club members, 117 of whom are volunteer patrolling lifeguards.

“The season and volunteer patrols start in December, but we’re in our off-season training now so these new life jackets will be getting wet straight away,” Mr Davies said.

PHOTOGRAPH: East End Surf Life Saving Club lifeguards Scott Nelson (left), Paul Turner and Sophie Davies, receive the new life jackets from Port Taranaki head of commercial Ross Dingle. Scott and Paul are also members of the volunteer Surf Lifesaving Call Out Squad.