National Jandal Day Raises $380,000 For Surf Life Saving

News Release

19 December 2011

National Jandal Day Raises $380,000 For Surf Life Saving

The New Zealand public proved just how much it values the essential service surf lifeguards provide on our beaches when they donated generously to Surf Life Saving’s national appeal day raising $380,000.

Over 1500 jandal-clad surf lifeguards hit the streets with collection buckets on National Jandal Day, and schools and business across the country got behind the day raising money by holding events, competitions, coin trails, mufti-days and sausage sizzles.

The money raised will go to Surf Life Saving clubs throughout New Zealand allowing them to train more lifeguards, increase patrols and buy essential equipment to help save lives and prevent injuries.

Pat Waite, Chief Executive of Surf Life Saving New Zealand said he was delighted with the money received and the support from Kiwis. “As a charity, we rely on the generous financial support of the public and we are incredibly grateful to all those who donated on National Jandal Day. This money will help us run essential programmes and service to help save lives on our beaches this summer.”

And it’s not just our beaches where surf lifeguards make a difference. While out collecting on National Jandal Day lifeguards were in the right place and the right time to help a number of people needing medical assistance. In Auckland central, one person collapsed and another had a seizure, while in Mt Maunganui lifeguards were preparing to begin collecting for National Jandal Day when they were called to the scene of a motorcycle accident. In all cases lifeguards were called on to administer first aid and assist emergency services.

Says Pat Waite, “This just confirms just how necessary surf lifeguards are in our community. Their skills and training can be used anywhere, any time. We are proud of them.”

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