Media Statement
18 July 2006
For immediate use
ENERGEX donates jet ski to Surf Lifesaving Northern Region to help keep West Coast beaches safe
This summer northern region lifeguards will have an extra member on their team – a brand new jet ski thanks to ENERGEX
Ltd.
Surf Lifesaving Northern Region CEO Steve Johns said jet ski’s are essential tools for the Lifesaving Support Services
in rescue situations.
“Jet skis are used mainly in situations such as mass rescues or when there are particularly dangerous or tricky rescues.
The speed and size of a jet ski means they can get out and rescue people where it would otherwise be too dangerous for a
lifeguard to go. Often these types of rescues happen on the notoriously dangerous west coast beaches such as Muriwai and
Piha.
The jet skis are operated by a team of Senior Lifeguards who have had specialist training in jet ski operation, rescue
boat operation, radio communications and who also work closely with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter when they need a
lifeguard assistance on board the chopper.
ENERGEX Ltd General Manager Kevin McGrath said that when ENERGEX won the Jet ski through a competition and they couldn’t
think of a better cause than Surf Lifesaving.
“We understand how important lifeguards are to the safety of members of the public that enjoy the beaches. Surf
Lifesaving is an organisation that is relevant to us and our families and if this jet ski will assist lifeguards in
saving more lives then we are only too happy to be involved”
------------Ends---------------