Bay clubs well-represented

Local surf lifesaving clubs Mount Maunganui and Omanu Beach are up for Rescue of the Year and Overall Club of the Year.

Surf Life Saving clubs across the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel are getting set to celebrate the contribution made by its members over the past season, with the annual Zespri Awards of Excellence.

Every year, regional Awards of Excellence ceremonies are held around the country to officially recognise members for their hard work and dedication to surf lifesaving in New Zealand.

The ceremonies include the presentation of lifesaving, sport and regional service awards.

Some of the top awards will include Lifeguard of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Rescue of the Year and Zespri Club of the Year.

Tauranga's three local clubs – Mount Maunganui, Omanu Beach and Papamoa – are all well-represented in the various categories, with Mount and Omanu both finalists for BOP Rescue of the Year and BOP Overall Club of the Year.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand media and communications manager Lisa Smith says throughout the season clubs are encouraged to submit a nomination form for the Rescue of the Month awards, from which the finalists are chosen for the Rescue of the Year.

'Rescues are judged against a set of criteria, including the application of lifeguards' skills, environmental conditions, resource utilisation, and the outcome.”

Zespri general manager grower and external relations, Dave Courtney, says supporting Surf Life Saving in the regions which grow most of New Zealand's kiwifruit is Zespri's way of supporting local communities.

'We're proud to support lifeguards as they keep our beaches safe for everyone to enjoy and it's great to see them recognised at these awards.”

For the full list of finalists visit www.surflifesaving.org.nz

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