Fitzroy Surf Lifesaving president Todd Velvin said the water had been warm until the recent dusting of snow on Mt Taranaki, but that hadn’t scared people off. He said it had been a busy summer on the beaches but also a safe summer, to date, with no major rescues. “The beaches have been really good,” Velvin said. “There’s been minor first aid, like stubbed toes.”
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Fitzroy Beach has been a popular spot – despite the recent chill in the water. However, he said people should always swim between the flags, listen to lifeguards and remember to relax, ride the water, and raise their arms should they get into trouble.
Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management regional manager Craig Campbell-Smart has stepped down from the role.
The regional head of Taranaki’s civil defence emergency management is to take on a new role as a principal advisor in the organisation. Craig Campbell-Smart said the newly created position was a “step down and step sideways” from what he had been involved in. “It was time for a change as the regional manager position had been demanding after working to build capacity in the region for the past four years,” he said. “I’ll still be involved in civil defence emergencies in the region.”