Swimming safely is the summer goal at Himatangi Beach
A day at the beach should be filled with sun, sand and swims and thanks to the Palmerston North Surf Life Saving Club, it’s also safe to swim at Himatangi Beach. Since 1947 the Palmerston North Surf Life Saving Club has provided a volunteer lifeguard services from December to March.
This past Christmas saw record breaking numbers of beach goers with a head count of 800 and this didn’t account for swimmers that travelled up and down the beach to swim.
Having recently celebrated their jubilee, the club has seen changes in the types of water sports and more importantly ability of swimmers over the years. As the demographic of New Zealanders become more diverse, the decline in the number of swimming pools in Schools and affordability of swim schools adding to the challenge for parents, the role of the surf lifesaving clubs throughout New Zealand has never been more important in providing a safe swimming environment at our beach’s.
The Manawatū District Council is proud to be a supporter of the club for over 20 years, with funding towards the regional lifeguard service that patrols the beach Monday to Friday from mid-December through to the end of January. “Himatangi Beach is a hidden jewel of our District that comes alive in the summer with campers, visitors and locals making use of the natural beauty of the coastline”, Janine Hawthorn explains. “The district is fortunate to have the dedication and expertise of the Palmerston North Surf Life Saving Club at the beach.”
The goal of the club is education and prevention so that rescues don’t need to happen. It’s often best achieved by a simple conversation before going into the water to know who are strong swimmers, who might need help, and to understand personal swimming abilities. Easily achievable rules like swimming between the flags, speaking to locals to understand safe swimming areas, and knowing your own limitations as a swimmer can help keep you safe this summer.
The Palmerston North Lifeguard’s are always looking for more club members and welcome all ages from juniors through to adults. You can join, or support the club by clicking here.
Himatangi More FM Manawatu and Mitre 10 Mega Palmerston North Big Dig is taking place on Saturday 18 January. The event is a fundraiser for the Palmerston North Life Saving Club and is a fantastic community day to embrace the beach and gives the potential to win a prize. More information can be found here.
Himatangi Beach's Big Dig, an annual fundraiser for the Palmerston North Life Saving Club.