Subj : Surf Life Saving and Toyota continue to keep NZ beaches safe To : All From : News Person Date : Sat Mar 02 2024 01:09 pm With more than 4500 surf lifeguards across 90 locations, the volunteers of Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) are heroes without capes. The charity has clubs at beaches across the country, including some of the longest shorelines at 90 Mile Beach and Karioitahi Beach. In order to jump into action and make swift rescues at these beaches, surf lifeguards need to have the right vehicles and equipment on hand. That's why, through its decade-long partnership with Toyota Financial Services (TFS), Surf Life Saving across New Zealand has been provided with 53 Toyota vehicles. That includes those used to perform patrols across large stretches of coastline, making it one of the largest not-for-profit vehicle fleets in the country. Under the partnership, TFS has provided SLSNZ with 21 sponsored Toyota Hilux and RAV4 vehicles to support lifesaving efforts and community education programmes, as well as an additional 32 RAV4 and Hilux 4WD first-response vehicles at a discounted rate. TFS Chief Executive Officer Brent Knight said Toyotaand SLSNZ share a strong alignment of objectives and cultures, including a solid focus on community and safety. "Community is one of the core pillars of Toyota's Let's Go Places brand vision," he explained. "We have always had deep roots in our local communities, and we are focused on how we can make a positive social impact and give back to them. Similarly, we aim to make road users safer with the help of our leading safety technology - Toyota Safety Sense. "By supporting the Surf Life Saving movement, we are literally helping to save lives." TFS support for Surf Life Saving was typified during the Auckland Anniversary flooding in 2023, where Hilux vehicles enabled Search and Rescue crews throughout Auckland to get rescue equipment into flooded areas to reach those isolated or trapped by rising flood waters. Allan Mundy, SLSNZ National Search and Rescue Manager, said having the right equipment available is absolutely critical to those crews. "It not only keeps our volunteer surf lifeguards safe while they carry out their lifesaving work, but it also means we can react effectively and efficiently. If we don't have the correct tools to respond to an incident that we can rely on, lives are put at risk." Mundy contends that, during flood response as well as during regular patrol operations, the Hilux has enabled crews to transport surf lifeguards and rescue equipment, illuminate scenes and rescue areas, set up on-scene command bases, and even serve as a landmark to orient surf lifeguards during their response. "They're a critical piece of our kit and a reassuring presence for surf lifeguards as they carry out their important work of ensuring everyone returns home safely after a day at the beach." Keeping NZ a nation of coast lovers As 97% of the population lives within 50km of a coast, it's evident that Kiwis love their beaches. However, Knight said the reality of NZ's island status is reflected in its drowning statistics. "In the 10 years to the end of 2023, there were 424 beach and coastal drownings," he said. "But that number would have been much higher were it not for surf lifeguards, who performed over 9,812 rescues over the last decade and whose actions and commitment have saved countless lives." The vehicles provided by TFShave been crucial in patrolling shorelines and keeping drownings as low as possible. They also enhance SLSNZ lifeguards' efforts as they can tow inflatable rescue boats (IRBs) and carry large vital equipment on board, such as rescue boards and rescue tubes. Last year, Surf Life Saving New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Steve Fisher said TFS's support is critical in enabling the organisation to achieve its core services as demand within the region grows. "Our services throughout the country are truly an 24/7 operation," he said. "And with many rescues now occurring out of regular patrol hours and patrol locations - such as during the flooding in Auckland, which saw us rescue 79 people trapped by flooding, [subsequent] cyclone damage. "It's really important that we have reliable gear that enables us to respond quickly. Having access to the Toyota vehicles helps to quicken our response time and increase the safety of our community." Saving lives today and into the future Given their strong focus on communities and the very real, life-saving impacts of their work, the long-standing collaboration between SLSNZand TFS continues. Last year TFS announced it was extending its partnership with SLSNZ through to 2026, Knight calling the continuation "organic". "Surf lifeguards are staunch in their commitment to keep the public safe, but every second counts to save a life," he said. "To achieve this goal, we need to ensure lifeguard services have the appropriate support, resources, and equipment to perform their role to the best of their abilities." Fisher says the charity is proud to be continuing the partnership, echoing Knight's sentiment of cultural similarities between Toyota and SLSNZ. "We are both community-minded organisations, and both Toyota and SLSNZ believe that every day provides a new opportunity to move New Zealand forward," he said. "We rely on the support of our corporate partners to keep us running, and there is a constant need for funding. We look forward to the continued support from TFS and believe the similarities between us are reflective of a long-lived partnership." 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