SLSNZ National SAR Summit provides opportunity to test long-distance deployment

With New Zealand being an island nation surrounded by vast and unpredictable waters, Surf Life Saving New Zealand has highlighted the need for the country to have well-prepared search and rescue teams that can respond whenever and wherever trouble may arise.

This week, from 11th to 14th April, some of the country’s top Search and Rescue (SAR) Squads from Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ), along with Police, and Coastguard will gather at Auckland’s Muriwai Beach for the SLSNZ National SAR Summit.

Allan Mundy, SLSNZ National Search and Rescue Manager noted “this is an important event on the SAR calendar. Not only does it improve coordination and collaboration which results in better outcomes for those involved, but it’s also a great way for everyone to connect, especially for the volunteers who are vital to the sector.”

Under the theme ‘Go Light and Long’, this year’s summit aims to enhance preparedness for long-distance deployments through a combination of theory sessions, operational reviews, and real-life scenarios.

Mundy adds “requests for our SAR squads to be deployed are increasing, and the distances they have to travel to respond to these requests is also increasing. While there are many advantages to using SLSNZ assets like the ability to pack them down and reassemble them quickly, there are also a few challenges. During the summit, we’ll fine-tune our skills and focus on seamless communication between ourselves, and the other sector agencies involved.”

One of the highlights of the summit will be the Manukau Harbour SAR Exercise, which will start at 5pm on 12th April and run through until 13th April.

The incident will revolve around a charter boat in distress in Auckland’s Manukau Harbour with 20 people on board, battling fierce winds and near-zero visibility.    

Mundy shared “we don’t want to give too much away as the scenario will be a surprise to those at the summit! However, it will require all of those involved to think strategically and quickly.” 

The exercise will also put to the test a portable digital radio repeater system, and it will serve as a logistical trial for Surf Life Saving clubs in managing long-distance deployments.

Mundy continued “the SAR Squads will be deployed from their home bases so they will need to ensure they have all their equipment on hand. They will also need to test the functionality of their communication system and practise the roles needed to operate an incident command post.”

In total, over 80 Search and Rescue personnel will be involved, including Coastguard Papakura, Waiuku, Auckland Air Patrol, and the Coastguard Operations Centre.

Jonny Bannister, Coastguard Regional Manager, North added “it’s invaluable for our volunteers to test their skills and training in realistic exercises like this one on the Manukau. Given the changeable marine conditions in this area, any chance to train alongside our fellow water safety partners sets us all up for success when a real emergency occurs.”

Police will also be involved, as well as the following Surf Life Saving Clubs (SLSC): Mairangi Bay SLSC, Ōrewa SLSC, Kariaotahi SLSC, Sunset Beach Lifeguard Service, Karekare SLSC, Piha SLSC, United North Piha Lifeguard Service, Muriwai Volunteer Lifeguard Service, and Bethells Beach Surf Lifesaving Patrol.

Image. Credit: Surf Life Saving New Zealand