With summer on the doorstep, Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard is preparing for its busiest time for saving lives at sea and helping watercraft operators in peril.

But before things heat up, the coastguard is giving Bay of Plenty water-goers three messages.

First, make sure you know how to stay safe in or on the water before you head out.

Second, if you’re thinking about volunteering, join Tauranga Coastguard because they always have opportunity for new faces to train up and help out in a range of roles.

Lastly, to invite fishos to their major fundraiser – the Cast Your Line For Coastguard fishing competition on Saturday, November 23.

Becoming an empty-nester flung Tauranga woman Raelene Flay into volunteering at coastguard – she is training her way to becoming a crew member, and “absolutely loving it”.

“My daughter left home so it became part of my re-connecting into the community and to get out and enjoy something I like doing.”

But why coastguard? “The comradery was massive. And it’s pretty much a win-win situation because I get all of this amazing training while enjoying being out on the water and assisting people who are in a bit of strife.”

Back to the water

Joining the coastguard has also brought her back to the water. “When I was 15 I went on a sailing trip to the Great Mercury and Barrier Islands; that was a memorable holiday. I’ve also been a navigator in a jetsprint boat – so this has helped me to get back into water sports and grow my confidence.”

Raelene suggests those thinking about coastguard volunteering to: “Give it a go!”

“Turn up and see if it’s for you. When I went to an introductory evening – they said: ‘We’re going to tell you everything to put you off but if you’re not, then you’ll probably stick with it’ and I have. It’s the people, the training, the getting out on the water that makes it!”

Becoming an empty-nester flung Tauranga woman Raelene Flay into volunteering at coastguard. Photo: David Hall.

Giving back

For lifelong boatie Mac O’Brien, joining coastguard is about giving back to an organisation that’s assisted him on water in the past.

“I’ve been boating for years and I’ve used the coastguard before. My mother is a life member – she was radio operator in Whangamata for many years. My brother is a coastguard member in Pauanui – and I thought it was great way to give back to the community.”

Mac, who is a qualified radio operator, said people should know that you don’t need boating experience to volunteer with coastguard – as there’s a variety of roles on offer.

“For example, boating experience is not a prerequisite for being a radio operator. You need to be clear and succinct with your communications and cool and calm when things start getting a bit hectic. And the coastguard teaches everything you need to know.”

Register for fishing comp

Mac, who is helping to prepare for the upcoming Cast Your Line For Coastguard fishing competition on November 23, will also fish in it with his godson. He encourages others to register for the fundraiser, with money going to a great cause.

This year the competition, which tasks keen anglers to catch the longest measured fish in three categories – snapper, Kingfish and tarakihi – has more than $10,000 in prizes, raffles and auctions up for grabs.

Coastguard operations support person Tania Williamson said the idea of the competition is that anglers measure and photograph each fish, then release it back into the water. “We have information on our website on how to effectively and safely do this.”

Cast Your Line For Coastguard’s competition briefing is at 6.30pm on Friday, November 22, at Tauranga Sports Fishing Club – with fishing to begin straight afterwards until 3pm, Saturday, November 23. Prizegiving is 6.30pm. Entry is $50 per adult and $25 per junior.

Enter online at: www.taurangacoastguard.co.nz