25 February 2011

There will be no Surf Life Saving patrols on Christchurch beaches this weekend as a result of the Canterbury earthquake.

Beaches normally patrolled by Spencer Park SLSC, Waimairi SLSC, North Beach SLSC, North Brighton SLSC, South Brighton SLSC, Sumner SLSC and Taylors Mistake SLSC will be unpatrolled. Water quality has been deemed unsafe at many beaches and a number of Surf Life Saving Clubs have been severely damaged and are unable to provide basic facilities to enable patrols to operate. In the interest of public safety Surf Life Saving New Zealand recommends people do not enter the water.

However Waikuku SLSC – approx 30km north of Christchurch - will be patrolling at Waikuku beach between 11am - 5pm over the weekend as long as water quality remains at a safe level.

Chief Executive of SLSNZ, Grant Florence, said, “We would like to extend our sincere sympathies to the people of Christchurch who have been shocked and devastated by this week’s horrific Earthquake.”

SLSNZ has offered organisational support to the Ministry of Civil Defense and Emergency Management to assist in any way with the rescue, clean up and care of people in Christchurch. Many lifeguards are assisting to help people who have been impacted by the earthquake.

ENDS

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