Lifesaving NZCT grant for Nelson club.

An $18,277 New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) grant to Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club (NSLSC) for helicopter search and rescue training, first responder backpacks, and rescue boards and tubes, has ensured the highest standards of safety and service delivery to beachgoers and the wider community around the Nelson-Tasman region.

With on average 20+ rescues and assists during patrol hours, in addition to 14 Police Search and Rescue callouts per year, Jayd Cosmatos, head of NSLSC’s Search and Rescue Squad, says "The funding to continue helicopter deployment will prove invaluable when the time comes. With such a vast and rugged coastline, access can sometimes be challenging in the best of conditions. Being able to sling load the crew and the boats into remote locations provides a greater sense of security for the Tasman region. Recent weather events in the past couple of years have proven how isolated Nelson can get with floods and slips blocking main highways and if someone needs our help the only way to get there would be via helicopter. NZCT’s grant will undoubtedly save lives.”

NZCT’s GM Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges adds “NSLSC’s lifesaving work is deserving of everyone’s support. We thank our responsible gaming hospitality partners – the Motueka Hotel and the Ocean Lodge for their help in raising funds that made this grant possible.”