Sumner Lifeboat Rescue Magazine November 2016

rescue Sumner Lifeboat and its community

RRP $5.00

ISSN 1176 - 0680

No. 79 November 2016

Composition of the Institution 2016 PATRON Dame Adrienne Stewart DNZM, QSM PRESIDENT Paul Lawson COXSWAIN Blair Quane EXECUTIVE OFFICER Gareth Murfitt MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Nick Carter Matthew Hannah Heather McDonald Jonathan Welsh HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Capt. William Oliver Murray Johnson TRUSTEES Peter Bradley Peter McDonald Nicolas Pegg AUDITOR Audit Professionals

CREW ACTIVE: SHORE Bob C’Ailceta CREW ACTIVE: TRAINEE Mike Barber Finley Passmore Chris Milne Mark Gowans Baptiste Marconnet Robert Glassford Björn Stankowitz

SURVEYOR SGS New Zealand Ltd

CREW: RESERVES John Barton Peter Marshall Peter McDonald

HONORARY SOLICITOR James Leggat LLB

SAFETY OFFICER Marnie Kent

LIFE CREW MEMBERS B Kerr L Kerr R J Kerr QFSM P McDonald I A Morrison A W Plummer QFSM G C Stace

LIFE MEMBERS D J Alexander L J & N E Andrew J & C Barltrop A E Bassett N Bassett A S Brunt MBE, DSC P & M Burne G Burton D Cox MNZM, FNZIM H R Crossman I R Cumming M H P Cuningham J de Boer M J R Dent

VICE PRESIDENTS A (Sandy) Brunt DSC, MBE D Cox MNZM, FNZIM M R Rule

1.

CREW ACTIVE: BOAT Anthony Honeybone Ashley Rule Blair Quane Brett Naylor Cameron Lacey Chloe Harris Dave Passmore Heather McDonald John Atkins John Thompson Jonathan Welsh Joshua Scott Peter Francis Richard Skinner Sam Bradley

P L Ellis J Errington G & B Fitzgerald G M Forrester E & R Greenwood N G Hattaway D & B Hay E & M Hines D Hopper D G Illingworth M Irwin G & R Kendall B Kerr L Kerr R J Kerr QFSM Dame Adrienne Stewart DNZM, QSM J R Lane J A Lee L McCabe P McDonald The McEwen Family I McLeod G A McVicar B R & V L Meads F K Millar G M Moody I A Morrison F L Murch S O’Brien P R Payne N Pegg G E Pilkington N Plank A W Plummer QFSM S Smith S Stubenvoll C Thompson L G H Thompson A Williams I R Wood Canterbury Trailer Yacht Squadron JI Urquhart Family Trust Lions Club Ferrymead Naval Point Club Lyttelton Rotary Club of Avonhead (Inc) – District 9970

CORPORATE LIFE MEMBERS Cactus Security Canterbury Foundation CWF Hamilton & Co Ltd District Grand Lodge of South Island, New Zealand Hamilton Marine Ltd Hutchwilco Ltd Independent Fisheries Konica Minolta Lion Foundation Lyttelton Port Company Ltd Macquarie Group Holdings Macquarie Group Foundation Maurice Carter Charitable Trust McBride Design Mind Media Mitre 10 Mega Ferrymead Orly Productions Ltd Paynes Wholesalers Ltd Rata Foundation Safe R Brakes Ltd Skellerup Industries Ltd Stark Bros Ltd Sunderland Marine Tank Maintenance (1986) Ltd The Southern Trust SPONSORS CWF Hamilton Ltd Hamilton Marine Ltd Christchurch City Council Lyttelton Port of Christchurch Mitre 10 Ferrymead Seipp Construction Phoenix Print Ideation Agency Zeevo Perception PR & Marketing

Contents

A word from our patron The dedication of the Sumner Lifeboat team continues to amaze me – a tireless commitment to operating a marine rescue service for the benefit of all in the Canterbury areas.

The volunteers and sea vessels are ready to go for the busy summer months, and as a supporter of Sumner Lifeboat you can make a difference helping to save lives at sea.

Sumner is a favourite spot for all Cantabrians who rely on the Sumner Lifeboat rescue service to keep them safe, should the unforeseeable occur. Please get in behind our wonderful team.

Composition of the Institution 2016

1

A word from our patron

2

Editor’s introduction

3

President’s report

4

Coxwain’s report Management Plan to 2027 The new recruits on board What we do

5-6 7 8 9 - 10

New initiatives

11 - 12

Sumner Lifeboat in the community

13 - 14

Fundraising - our lifeblood

15 - 16

Sumner Lifeboat awards

16

Visit to the Lifeboat College

17

Appeal for funding

18

Membership subscriptions, donations or volunteer support would be most welcome.

I am honoured to be involved with the Sumner Lifeboat team.

Warm wishes, Dame Adrienne Stewart Patron - Sumner Lifeboat Institution

The official journal of the Sumner Lifeboat Institution Inc. PO Box 17-515, Sumner, Christchurch 8840, New Zealand email: secretary@sumnerlifeboat.org.nz www.sumnerlifeboat.org.nz Editor: Nick Carter Phone 027 591 3422 secretary@sumnerlifeboat.org.nz

SUMNER LIFEBOAT MISSION STATEMENT To preserve life at sea.

Graphic design and layout Ideation Agency Printed by Phoenix Print

To operate a marine rescue service for the benefit of all in the inshore and offshore waters of Canterbury.

To offer in a co-operative manner a volunteer marine rescue service to the appropriate authorities and other rescue organisations.

To promote and help advance public awareness in all aspects of safety at sea.

Contributions of a nature relevant to the maritime rescue service are welcomed.

Letters to the Editor should be signed and carry the writer’s full name and address.

Articles and information printed in RESCUE magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions or formal position of Sumner Lifeboat Inc or the publishers unless otherwise indicated. All material published in RESCUE is done so with all due care as regards to accuracy and factual content. The publishers and editorial staff however cannot accept responsibility for any inadvertent errors or omissions which may occur.

2.

Editor’s introduction The Sumner Lifeboat Rescue jackets that keep the team warm and dry while out on the water.

Photo courtesy of Tony Brunt.

The Sumner Lifeboat Rescue Magazine is produced to inform and inspire the next generation of Lifeboat members.

Welcome to the October 2016 edition of the Rescue Magazine.

It has been too long since we last reported on our activities and this issue will bring you up to date with all the action.

Another reason for producing the magazine is to inform and inspire the next generation of Lifeboat members. We’re always looking for new recruits and those featured in this edition testify to the benefits, enjoyment and community service that this role provides.

We are constantly updating our learning programmes to ensure our volunteers are as well qualified as they can be for the very important role they play.

The last 12 months have been very busy for Sumner Lifeboat with the recruitment of new staff, in particular Blair Quane to the position of Coxswain. This is a position critical to the success of our organisation and its management operations. Already we are recognising the value of having Blair on board.

One of the stunning views from the water.

Photo courtesy of Tony Brunt.

3.

This edition covers the latest updates on the slipway extension, the reinstalment of the siren on the station, Heather McDonald’s trip to the Lifeboat College in England, the purchase of a new tractor tow vehicle, plus a message from our patron, Dame Adrienne Stewart – and a whole lot more.

We are grateful to all our sponsors and partners who support Sumner Lifeboat and its Rescue Magazine. Thank you again for your continued support.

Wishing you a safe summer on and in the water.

Nick Carter Editor, Chair of Publicity

President’s report Paul Lawson

In what has been a very trying few years, the operational crew of Sumner Lifeboat and the Institution’s Management team have shown a commitment and dedication that has helped us carry out our core activity of saving lives at sea.

I would like to thank them for their valuable service to Sumner Lifeboat and the wider community.

The last 18 months have been very busy for Sumner Lifeboat and it is only now that we feel we are able to finally put the effects of the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes behind us.

The plan also covers the extensive training commitment that the crew need to undertake to meet the legal requirements of carrying out the Institution’s core activity.

In what has been a very trying few years, the operational crew of Sumner Lifeboat and the Institution’s Management team have shown a commitment and dedication that has helped us carry out our core activity of saving lives at sea. I would like to thank them for their valuable service to Sumner Lifeboat and the wider community.

This year Blair Quane has taken over as the Coxswain of the Lifeboat and his drive is already showing results, as can be seen in the articles published within this magazine.

The partners, spouses and children of the crew also play a large role in Sumner Lifeboat’s achievements in the last few years, and without their support we would have found it difficult to attain the level of service displayed.

The Institution has adopted a revamped Management Plan that sets out the Institution’s goals to 2027.

The plan covers both asset maintenance and upgrades, and sets the financial goals for which the management team will be responsible over the coming years.

I am confident he will steer the Lifeboat into the future well.

In closing, I would also like to acknowledge the help and support of Cheryl Moffat and Mark Whitehouse at Coastguard Southern Region.

Lastly, on behalf of Sumner Lifeboat, I would like to acknowledge the extra commitment that Heather McDonald has displayed as the President of Coastguard Southern Region.

Paul Lawson President Sumner Lifeboat

Proudly supporting the local community This event is proudly supported by

4.

Ferrymead supporting sign.indd 1

20/01/15 12:49

Blair Quane (centre) with his crew members, ready to launch a training mission out on the water.

Photo courtesy of Tony Brunt.

Coxswain’s report Blair Quane

Blair Quane driving the boat in Sumner bay during a practice rescue.

Photo courtesy of Tony Brunt.

5.

The last 12 months have been active for the Sumner Lifeboat. Key projects completed include the slipway extension, the Hamilton Jet Rescue refurbishment, the tractor tow vehicle purchase, the siren reinstatement, a computer replacement, the Southern Trust Rescue renewal, as well as ongoing replacement of crew gear and equipment.

The last 12 months have been active for Sumner Lifeboat. After a busy summer period call outs quietened over the 2016 winter. This downtime allowed us to focus on the completion of the remaining items on the Management Plan. We have now produced a new Management Plan for the next 10-year period - further detail can be found on page 7.

Key projects completed include the slipway extension, the Hamilton Jet Rescue refurbishment, the tractor tow vehicle purchase, the siren reinstatement, a computer replacement, the Southern Trust Rescue renewal, as well as ongoing replacement of crew gear and equipment.

These key projects were funded through various grants as well as substantial investment from Sumner Lifeboat operational funds – well in excess of $50,000 within the above projects. Ongoing stable income into lifeboat funds is critical to the continued upgrading of equipment and maintaining our operational status. Funding levels could be a significant issue in the future and this forms part of the new Management Plan.

We have focused on creating a full jet fleet and with the retirement of Lady Frances II this coming year, this plan will come to fruition.

All assets are now based at the Scarborough Lifeboat Station which allows for the most effective response to any incident as well as rationalisation of maintenance on the vessels.

The current asset base means that Sumner Lifeboat can address any sort of incident, large or small, and in any location within the central South Island. The current waterborne assets are: • Blue Arrow Rescue: twin jet, offshore operations, large geographical range • Hamilton Jet Rescue: single jet, inshore operations, medium geographical range

This is my first year as Coxswain and I have really enjoyed the challenge and helping to see the completion of current operational projects.

I would like to thank the crew for their tireless work with the organisation in training and responding to call-outs.

The Sumner Lifeboat management committee is a key driver of progress within the organisation and I would like to thank Paul Lawson, Heather McDonald, Jono Welsh, Gareth Murfitt, Nick Carter and Matt Hannah for their valuable time commitment to making this service so effective.

Sumner Lifeboat is a long-standing part of the Sumner community and we would like to thank all the locals who have assisted us with our operations.

• Southern Trust Rescue: single jet, inshore operations, small geographical range We look forward to another busy summer and helping to keep people safe at sea.

• Lady Frances II: propeller driven, inshore training operations, small geographical range Blair Quane Without eager volunteer crew, the Sumner Coxswain Lifeboat could not provide the level of service that it does. We have a great base of volunteers backed up by two parttime administrators and an experienced management committee. The new trainee crew who have recently joined the unit are a keen bunch and we are progressing their training at speed, to bring them up to operational status.

We operate on a non-roster pager system which relies on a certain number of crew always being locally available. We are always seeking new volunteers, especially those locally-based during weekday business hours when many of our crew are at work in the central city. We are also seeking landbased crew who can be trained to operate our communications and first aid rooms, and maintain the station and vessels. If you think you could be interested in joining Sumner Lifeboat, please contact us via the details within this magazine.

6.

Management Plan to 2027 SHORT TERM (one year) The goals the Management Committee wishes to achieve by the end of the Financial Year 2017.

Asset Maintenance and upgrades • Sell Lady Frances and her trailer • Painting and maintenance of the building exteriors once lease is resolved with CCC • Complete service of 4x4 motorbike • Generator onto custom built trailer and locate on station where LF was located • Evaluation and refit of crew PPE • BAR jet unit full service/refurb by Hamilton’s once slipway extension is complete and she is housed permanently at the station Operational • 4 crew to move from Operational to Skipper qualified • 1 new Shore Based Operational crew to assist in the comm’s operations • 3 Trainee crew to move to Operational crew • Review and conclude the longevity of the pager system • Crew initiation of newly implemented Health & Safety • No serious injuries to crew through well implemented Health & Safety Management/Administrative • Resolve and finalise CCC building lease issue • Production of a publicity/sponsorship document for use to seek funders and in the bequest programme • Approach known supporters of the organisation with the aim to source funding from • Set up the bequest programme Publicity & Marketing • Yearly public open day • Utilise social media (Sumner Facebook Group) to promote the activities of the Lifeboat • Rescue magazine publish • RESCUE companion book – review and plan to progress this

MEDIUM TERM (five years) Management Committee to instigate objectives to realise implementation/progress of the following developments by end of financial year 2022.

• Acquire and maintain a sustainable funding level of $500,000 starting with a group of appropriate and robust trustees • Bolster the strength of shore based personnel • Investigate merits of a second jet ski and implement if required • Review STR for replacement in 2020 • Implement training to ensure Coastguard minimum levels are met • Building interiors refurbishment • IT review and upgrade

LONG TERM (ten years) End of the financial year 2027.

• To have sustainable funding in place without the need for fundraising for normal operations • Strong and diverse management team • Evaluate tractor upgrade/replacement • Evaluate HJR for replacement by 2027 • Evaluate BAR for upgrade and new electronics package by 2027 7.

New recruits on board When a new recruit joins the Lifeboat, we give them the training they need in order to attend to call-outs at sea. A new volunteer may have no maritime or boating experience and we will teach them all they need to know to crew or skipper a rescue vessel in often very difficult and challenging situations.

The Lifeboat also has a shore-based crew who are instrumental in assisting the co-ordination of search and rescue operations. This year we are proud to have five new crew.

Mike Barber

Experienced boatie up to the challenge

From a boating and fishing background, Mike Barber felt Sumner Lifeboat was a perfect fit when he retired a couple of years ago.

Used to charter sailing around the Pacific on sloops and catamarans, Mike loves the sea and lives in Sumner.

“When I retired I was looking for something useful to do for the community where I could learn something as well. Sumner Lifeboat certainly provides both. There is a lot to learn, for example about radar, GPS, first aid and so on, and the training is constant thereby keeping you right up to the mark.

They’re a great bunch of people and from all walks of life.”

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please give us a call or email crew@sumnerlifeboat.org.nz

Rob Glassford A chance to give back

Rob Glassford from Mt Pleasant has been around the sea most of his life – on and in the water in Christchurch, the Abel Tasman and Marlborough Sounds. Formerly working in the personal watercraft scene, Rob is a keen jet skier, who is now pursuing a sales career. Looking for community volunteer work, Rob found Sumner Lifeboat an obvious match.

“I wanted to do community volunteer work with people who share a passion for what they do, and love the sea. It’s a fantastic experience - they’re like a family - and they want to see you succeed. There is a lot to learn and lots of support and encouragement - and you feel you are appreciated.”

Baptiste Marconnet

From France to Sumner

Architect Baptiste Marconnet from Tours, France has lived in Sumner for four years, joining Lifeboat six months ago.

“I’ve always been into sailing, competitively from the age of five in Optimists. Then in Laser, Hobie Cat, 470s and 420s. Here, I go windsurfing.”

Lifeboat presented a chance to serve and be part of the community, to meet like-minded people and to widen his circle of friends.

It has delivered on all three fronts.

Finley Passmore Surfer keen to make a difference

At 17-years-old Finley Passmore is the youngest new recruit to join Sumner Lifeboat. He found out about it through his father, and knew it would combine his love of the ocean and surfing with the excitement of search and rescue.

An enthusiastic surfer who spends a lot of time at Sumner and Taylor’s Mistake beaches during the summer, Finley says his aim is to get out on the water for call outs, and to make a difference.

“It’s the unpredictability of it all that appeals to me; that, and being able to learn a whole lot of new things.”

The Year 13 Cashmere High School student has already gained certificates in boat masters, radar, and radio operations and is looking forward to more coastguard modules.

Björn Stankowitz

From mountains to the sea

German-born Björn Stankowitz has swapped mountain rescue for sea rescue since he became a recruit with Sumner Lifeboat.

The structural engineer and keen surfer, who lives less than a minute from the lifeboat station, says it is great to be able to give something back – especially to surfies who get caught in a rip.

“I was involved in mountain rescue in southern Germany, but now I surf more than I climb.” The comprehensive training is giving him knowledge and teaching him new skills.

“Search and rescue is worthwhile work, and attending the modules and doing the practical work involves a lot of variety, always “You learn to respect the water. I always very interesting and can be challenging from wanted to be involved in boating, and now I time to time. And socially, it is great.” have the chance.”

8.

What we do Enjoying being out on the boat. Baptiste Marconnet gives the thumbs up, Blair Quane is at helm and Cameron Lacey is on the right. Photo courtesy of Tony Brunt.

All year round, 24/7 the Sumner Lifeboat crew are on stand-by to assist those who might find themselves in trouble in the sea around Christchurch. We receive calls from the public, the police, other Coastguard units and rescue services to attend to those in need.

When we receive a call our trained volunteers get into gear and head out on the water. Occasionally we receive calls where someone may have seen someone (or something) in the water that doesn’t look right. The odd time these calls end up being false alarms or the problem resolves itself.

However, we would much rather be aware of a potential incident and have our crew on stand-by than to not act if someone is in trouble. We’d like to thank the community for keeping us informed about potentially dangerous situations.

If you need to contact us in an emergency please dial 111.

Swift reactions when the siren goes Sumner Lifeboat gets many callouts during the year - and these range from lengthy events taking a number of hours to resolve, to others which are stood down quite quickly. Some of the more notable rescues from the last 12 months are described below. Other events of a more sensitive nature are not included, in respect to the victims involved.

14th Feb 2015 22.00 Police paged crew to respond to a From the New Zealand Police: “The sea sighting of a distress flare off Sumner Beach. conditions around Canterbury are so variable Crew responded and Hamilton Jet Rescue was launched into a dark night with Blair and boaties can find themselves in some Quane, Ashley Rule and Cameron Lacey desperate situations. When they call us, we on board. Accompanied by Canterbury know that we can rely on Sumner Lifeboat Coastguard’s vessel, Pub Charity Canterbury for a fast, professional response”.

Rescue from Lyttelton, they began doing a systematic search of the area assisted by illuminating white parachute flares. Landbased crew visited the informant who lives on Clifton Hill to gain further information.

After a thorough search, nothing was found and Police stood down the crew with all vessels returning to station. The conclusion was that the distress flare may have been set off by the public on the beach. Station was closed at 00.45.

Sumner Lifeboat crew members.

Left to right: Björn Stankowitz, Baptiste Marconnet, Richard Skinner, Cameron Lacey, John Thompson, Mike Barber, David Passmore, Jono Welsh, Blair Quane and Heather McDonald.

Photo courtesy of Tony Brunt.

9.

The new Sumner Lifeboat tractor.

Photo courtesy of Tony Brunt.

25th Feb 2015 At 18.35 the Lifeboat alarm on the station was pushed by a member of the public.

A large northerly swell was pounding Scarborough Bay and a number of surfers were out making the most of the large waves. A group of less experienced surfers had got caught in the large rip current which goes around the end of the breakwater.

Upon arriving on station, John Atkins, Sean Armitage and Brett Naylor launched Hamilton Jet Rescue and proceeded to navigate the large swell to rescue six of the surfers from the rip current. All were brought back to shore and checked for medical issues. Station was closed at 19.41.

16th May 2015 At 02.14 Police Communications set off Lifeboat pagers. On arriving at the station, crew talked to Police on scene who said they had received a call from someone in Taylors Mistake whose friend had fallen into the sea in Harris Bay. Both Blue Arrow Rescue and Hamilton Jet Rescue were unavailable, so crew David Passmore and Blair Quane took jetski, Southern Trust Rescue, and proceeded to the location.

A moonless night meant a difficult search and some 20 minutes later they located the victim floating in a kelp bed about 50m from the cliff edge. The victim was unresponsive and suffering from hypothermia from spending 40 minutes in the cold autumn

sea. The lifeboat crew positioned the victim on the sled and proceeded to Taylors Mistake beach to meet up with Police.

From there they carried the victim up the beach to a position where Westpac Rescue Helicopter paramedics could treat him. The patient was flown to hospital and recovered after a few days there. It turns out that the two men were camping in Harris Bay for the night and had over indulged, with the victim falling into the ocean after getting too close to the edge.

Station was closed down at 03.50.

18th October 2015 Police received a mayday call at 04.30 from fishing boat FV Jubilee which was sinking. They paged crew and Blue Arrow Rescue was launched with six crew on board. They proceeded to the mayday location which was off the Rakaia river mouth, taking approximately two hours in moderate swells. Unfortunately the rough ride around the peninsula caused an electrical fault in the navigational and radio equipment on board, and so the lifeboat’s time at the search area was cut short.

During the search, the lifeboat worked alongside the container ship Lica Maersk and a number of other fishing boats, as well as the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

A number of floating items were found from the vessel including an empty life raft.

Blue Arrow Rescue proceeded to Akaroa

Harbour to repair the electrical fault. The FV Jubilee was located by sonar from one of the search vessels, and the bodies of the three fishermen who lost their lives were recovered by the Navy dive squad 10 days later.

5th March 2016 At 12.30 Police paged the crew in response to a report that two kayakers were in trouble around the front of Whitewash Heads. The crew responded and at 12.42 launched Hamilton Jet Rescue with Anthony Honeybone, Blair Quane and David Passmore on board. The crew located the two kayakers; one in his kayak and the other on the shore at the base of the cliff.

His kayak was full of water floating nearby.

The crew sent a swimmer into shore and assisted the victim back out to the boat.

They then proceeded to recover the water-laden kayak and tied it to the back platform of Hamilton Jet Rescue. All parties proceeded back to the station with no medical assistance required. Station closed down at 13.30.

Sumner Lifeboat Crew Stats August 2015 – August 2016 2015

2016

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

March

April

May

Jun

July

Aug

Radio Watch Hours

25

18

25

17

10

8

23

24

17

26

19

0

18

Crew Training Hours

200

140

170

207

120

80

211

282

239

279

239

0

375

No. of Search & Rescue operations (SAROP’s)

6

5.5

11

10

0

0

10

7

12

5

0

0

0

No. of SAROP Calls

3

1

2

1

3

0

1

1

2

1

0

0

0

No. of People Assisted

3

1

4

3

0

0

1

1

1

3

0

0

0

10.

New initiatives The Lifeboat siren at the lifeboat station.

Lifeboat siren back in action

The distinctive sound of the Sumner Lifeboat siren can once again be heard throughout the district now that it has been reinstated – but this time on a pole at the lifeboat station.

The siren raises the Lifeboat profile in the community and its reinstatement is seen as being a highly positive move.

Previously located on a wall of the Sumner Community Centre in the heart of the village, the siren was removed and put into storage after the earthquakes when the centre was demolished.

This year various options were investigated on how and where it should be reinstated. It could have been integrated with the sound the Christchurch City Council uses to alert the public about an imminent tsunami, but it was felt that might confuse people.

Tune up for Hamilton Jet Rescue Hamilton Jet Rescue is fit for purpose for the immediate future.

11.

Discussion was held with the fire brigade to see if the alarm could be incorporated with theirs, but their building is to be a rebuild, and there was thought about reinstating it either on the new Community Centre or on the lifeboat station itself. Our own location made perfect sense, so it is now on a pole at the front of building, which means all control gear is on site. Any local crew who don’t have their pager on, will be instantly alerted once the siren goes off. It also alerts those in trouble that help is on the way. The siren raises the Lifeboat profile in the community and its reinstatement is seen as being a highly positive move.

Hamilton Jet Rescue.

Photo courtesy of Tony Brunt.

A $70,000 tune up and refurbish this year has ensured that Hamilton Jet Rescue is fit for purpose for the immediate future.

underwent rewiring, reconfiguration of its controls, a repaint, received a new engine and a renovation of its jet unit. Now back on site and ready for summer, our middle-sized The vessel, which is more than 10 years old, rescue craft is in great shape and totally fit has been an integral part of our rescue team, for purpose. but in spite of being custom designed for our inshore surf conditions, and performing exceptionally well for a decade, it needed attention. Over three months, the boat

Gravel covering the slipway in April, 2015.

Slipway extension critical to operations A major and expensive operation to remove the earthquake rockfall from the slipway enabling the launch of Blue Arrow Rescue – particularly at low tide.

When earthquake rock fall from Whitewash Heads washed into Scarborough and collected at the site of the breakwater and slipway, we faced a major and expensive operation to remove it.

It had to go if we were going to be able to launch Blue Arrow Rescue, our twin-jet craft with its large geographical range particularly at low tide.

The sea had done the damage, but the Lifeboat spent a sum of money to clear it, making way for a 7m extension to the existing slipway. The extension was

Tractor replaces Landrover as tow vehicle The vehicle’s flexibility means it will be ideal to tow or pull something out of the water.

The cleared slipway, September, 2016.

designed to be 12m in length but because of the remaining rock bank, the additional 5m could not be installed.

Work on the $70,000 extension took five months to complete and was finished in early August, the work being largely financed through a grant from the Earthquake Appeal Trust. It is too early at this stage to determine whether the 7m extension will be adequate for purpose, and whether the remaining 5m will need to be undertaken in the future. We are continuing to fundraise to pay for the removal of the remaining rock blocking the final extension.

The Kubota tractor, the new tow vehicle.

Photo courtesy of Tony Brunt.

A brand new Kubota tractor has replaced Sumner Lifeboat’s previous Landrover as the tow vehicle used to launch Hamilton Jet Rescue. With rust, bad brakes and overall reliability problems becoming a major issue, a tractor was considered an ideal replacement. Fundraising applications were lodged with two trusts; both declined.

Kubota came to the rescue offering us a discounted rate and, given they provide tractors for Surf Lifesaving New Zealand, we were confident that their hydrostatic

vehicle would be perfect for our needs. The underside was sprayed for anti-corrosion; the brakes are enclosed so water can’t reach them; a winch was added to the front.

The vehicle’s flexibility means it will be ideal to tow or pull something out of the water.

With no roof and no guards, the operator will enjoy the benefits of great vision and manoeuvrability. Best of all, the Kubota is in stock standard rescue orange – so we didn’t have to paint it!

12.

Sumner Lifeboat in the community The annual Sumner ANZAC parade – the Lifeboat crew can be seen in light blue.

Sumner Lifeboat is an integral part of the community and we welcome opportunities to take part in local activities to showcase our work and our volunteers.

Spreading the word

ANZAC Day Parade

Sumner Lifeboat extended its community profile when it was invited to speak at a mid-winter Sumner Community meeting held at the new hall at Sumner School.

Various groups updated the community on their progress and projects and Coxswain Blair Quane spoke about our purpose and reminded the public how we can be contacted in an emergency. He gave an update on the slipway extension project and the refurbishment of Hamilton Jet Rescue.

A number of Christchurch City Council and earthquake groups also gave updates on land remediation works in the area.

Every year Lifeboat crew are privileged to be invited to join the annual parade.

Since the closure of the local RSA following the earthquakes, a new tradition has been established, taking a route along the Esplanade to the war memorials near Cave Rock.

A cracker of a night Once again Sumner Lifeboat was asked to assist patrol the water around New Brighton Pier for the annual very popular Christchurch City Council Guy Fawkes display. Blue Arrow Rescue was on hand throughout, the crew enjoying the Halloween themed fireworks display while keeping a close eye on recreational boaties and ensuring they didn’t venture too close to the pier.

13.

The Sumner Lifeboat wreath at the ANZAC parade.

Matt Wood & Nicola Clark dancing for Strictly Sumner.

Photo: Natasha C Photography, www.natashacphotography.co.nz

Dancing for ‘Strictly Sumner’ The organisers of this event managed to arm-twist, bribe or otherwise coerce local celebrities into a night of ballroom dancing.

The ten couples each chose a charity to support, with Matt Wood and Nicola Clark dancing for Sumner Lifeboat and raising over $7,800 which has been spent on completing the slipway extension.

Riding along with St John Following the commencement of rock remediation works around the Deans Head (Peacocks Gallop) area in Sumner, St John have placed a significant amount of first aid and medical supplies at the station, particularly in case a cliff collapse occurs around the areas being worked upon.

Sumner now acts as a base from which to deploy teams of medical personnel in a Civil Defence emergency. Lifeboat crew rode along with St John personnel on an ambulance for an evening – experiencing first-hand the work St John perform and cementing a constructive working relationship between our two services.

Lyttelton’s largest and longest established ship repair facility www.lytteng.co.nz 14.

Fundraising – our lifeblood

Funds and resources are vital to the ongoing operation of Sumner Lifeboat and every year we budget stringently to ensure we can deliver what we promise

The resources available to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, on which we model ourselves, are huge – yet none comes from the British government. That’s partly because a well-established infrastructure of donors, fundraisers and bequests is in place, and partly because the RNLI wants to remain independent of government control.

The early members of Sumner Lifeboat sought to emulate the RNLI brand and ethos. While not in a position to decline funding from any legitimate source, we continue to believe that our volunteer crews deserve the best equipment we can afford, to keep them as safe as possible while saving lives at sea.

A grant from Air Rescue Services Ltd provided personal gear, including helmets for the open boat crews on Hamilton Jet Rescue and the jet ski Southern Trust Rescue. Having purchased a selection in various sizes, we plan to equip all of our inshore boat crew with a helmet in their size in the coming year.

Did you know…

• Sumner Lifeboat is a founding member of our national body, Coastguard New Zealand, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary. In the 1970s our members met with similar search and rescue organisations around the country to use our combined purchasing power for standardised equipment. CNZ is barely recognisable from its origins, but its goals are largely the same.

• Sumner Lifeboat is run by volunteers, with two part-time contractors providing administration, accounts and health and safety support. The sea-going crew, radio operators, first-aiders and other shore-based crew all give their time free of charge. With contractors’ fees funded from grants, your donation goes directly toward supporting our search and rescue activities.

• Funding from bequests and private trusts contributed significantly toward Sumner Lifeboat’s income in the last year. Our major funders this year were: Est of Valerie Ivy Davies Hans Trommel Trust J I Urquhart Family Trust Rata Foundation Southern Trust Strictly Sumner

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$190,124 $13,700 $60,000 $10,000 $40,000 $7,847

Sumner Lifeboat Awards Sumner Lifeboat awards recognise active crew for their dedication and long service to the community.

Continuing this tradition, we are proud to present the following Service Awards this year:

2016 Award Winners Photo courtesy of Tony Brunt.

• Trusts such as Rata Foundation, Southern Trust and the gaming trusts are closely regulated by Internal Affairs Department with strict rules regarding what their funds can be used for. Private individuals and their trusts on the other hand, can make gifts as they wish, and need not be specific as to how the funds are used.

Having “untagged” funds available, with some flexibility as to when and how they are spent, provides security of tenure for volunteer charitable organisations such as Sumner Lifeboat, and allows the volunteers to get on with the job of saving lives at sea.

Funds are needed for:

• Sumner Lifeboat has aligned its financial year with that of Coastguard New Zealand to help our national body produce consolidated accounts in line with new reporting standards for charities. Our financial year now ends 30 June instead of 31 December, and we have just completed an 18 month financial year to achieve this. Holding the AGM later in the year also affords a great opportunity to combine it with the annual crew awards.

• Because we train regularly and items wear out, the crew’s personal protective equipment (PPE) is an ongoing expense.

We want to be able to replace items as required. Coastguard’s online purchasing system (COPS) makes the more common items available at bulk purchase rates to Coastguard crews nationwide.

• The slipway will require ongoing maintenance dredging to keep it clear of the rock which continues to wash around from the Scarborough cliffs since the earthquake.

• Sumner Lifeboat owns a generator which is available for community use and will be invaluable in the event of widespread power outages such as occurred after the earthquakes. In order to make it accessible and portable, we need a trailer specially constructed due to the size and weight of the machinery.

Gold Medal (25 Years): Heather McDonald Silver Bar (15 Years): Bob C’Ailceta Silver Bar (10 Years): Anthony Honeybone Silver Medal (5 Years): David Passmore, John Thompson Certificate of Service (3 Years): Cameron Lacey

A great way to support the ongoing efforts of your favourite causes is to include a charity in your will. Remember to review your will regularly so that it reflects your wishes and can be carried out with minimum fuss and expense. We urge you to consider making a bequest to a registered charity such as Sumner Lifeboat. Ask your lawyer for advice.

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The RNLI is one of the most recognised charities in the UK and the level of support they enjoy is evident in the quality of their facilities, lifeboats and associated equipment.

Visit to the Lifeboat College ‘Volunteer of the Year’ attends Lifeboat College in England.

by Heather McDonald

But ultimate success was measured not by whether the mine exploded or not, but by whether we followed the models - which can be applied to many situations back in our home port.

Two television actors role-played conflict resolution scenarios. They covered issues typical to lifeboat stations; then members of the class briefed the actors separately on specific problems and the actors played out the situations. Some scenarios were “rewound” and different solutions were demonstrated.

We experienced some of the excellent facilities at lifeboat college, including the lifeboat bridge simulator, a mock-up of a lifeboat wheelhouse. While there are no hydraulics and the floor is not actually moving, as soon as I entered the room I started to feel a little “at sea”. White screens beyond the wheelhouse windows feature projected sea scenes. Pre-programmed scenarios are used, but our instructor had some fun, throwing it all at us at once. While finding our way out of the harbour, a large I enjoyed a selection of leadership activities, ship suddenly appeared in front of us on both theory and practical. We engaged in a collision course. Having dodged that we problem solving exercises, applying the experienced a fuel fire on the water, and then models we had learned over the previous a submarine surfaced close by, it became couple of days – briefings to be in the night and a lightning storm began…

SMEAC format (situation, mission, execution, you get the idea! administration, command) and feedback The course included some RNLI-specific to be given in the TOSEA format (timely, material. For instance, the RNLI has a observed, specific, evidence, action). I was leader for an exercise of extracting a “mine” Lifeboat Operations Manager (formerly called Honorary Secretary) at each lifeboat from a garden and onto the nearby floating station. The new title better reflects what jetty within a time limit, using supplied materials (some lengths of rope, etc) without they do. The LOM does not go to sea but is more of a manager and support person. allowing the mine to touch the ground and When there is a “shout” (search and rescue without anyone getting within 1.5 metres of operation), approval of the LOM is required it. Key to these exercises was the forward before the lifeboat can launch. Ultimate planning; communication throughout was responsibility for the vessel lies with its also critical.

As Coastguard New Zealand’s ‘Volunteer of the Year 2014’, I was awarded an overseas professional development opportunity - a five-day course at RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) Lifeboat College in Poole, Dorset, England. Called Management, Command and Communication, it was aimed at lifeboat coxswains and operations managers, and covered leadership styles, bridge team management, communication, conflict resolution and emotional intelligence.

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skipper, the Coxswain (he or she can still decline to launch if the LOM has approved it), but there is merit in having a person who is a step removed from the operation having the power to say “no” when the crew are keen to launch in difficult conditions. The foundation for this structure probably goes back to the days when communities were very small, and the lifeboat crew would often know those in peril, which makes it hard to be objective about launching and potentially putting the lifeboat crew’s lives at risk, to rescue a friend.

We attended a presentation by Jack Lowe of the Lifeboat Station Project. He is travelling to every lifeboat station in UK and Ireland in an old ambulance converted to a darkroom and taking photos using the wet plate collodion process and a very old Victorian camera. Check out his work at http://lifeboatstationproject.com/.

With Coastguard New Zealand having to work hard for every dollar, there has inevitably been discussion about the feasibility of sending people overseas. I sincerely hope that we can continue to send Coastguard volunteers and staff to visit similar organisations in other parts of the world. It is important to be exposed to global best practice in the search and rescue arena. Technology moves quickly, and with the current emphasis on health and safety, it is crucial to be up with the play.

Thanks to CNZ, Hutchwilco and Century Yuasa for supporting the Coastguard awards.

appeal for funding We rely on the generosity of the local community to help maintain maritime safety in the Sumner Bay and wider Canterbury coastal waters.

How can you help?

Becoming a member

• Become part of the crew Receive excellent training and gain new friends, all while supporting your community.

•

Donate product or services-in-kind To keep Sumner Lifeboat on the water requires a long list of products and services, and any that are donated allow funds to be redirected to other areas.

• Business sponsorship Align your organisation to the oldest organised volunteer maritime search and rescue service in New Zealand.

An individual annual subscription of $20.00 (or more) contributes towards the costs associated with training crew and funding lifeboat operations.

An individual may become a Life Member by way of a one-time payment of $500.00 (or more) and a business or company may become a Corporate Life Member by way of a one-time payment of $1000.00 (or more) that is invested in trust.

The investment returns contribute towards the costs associated with training crew and funding lifeboat operations.

Contact: secretary@sumnerlifeboat.org.nz

G|M

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To discuss your accounting requirements call Gareth Murfitt on (021) 345 805

www.gmac.nz

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Proud Supporter of Sumner Lifeboat & its vessels

blue ARROW Rescue & HamiltonJet Rescue

www.hamiltonjet.co.nz