Increase in role for SAR

Volunteer Steve Fyfe with Dart collects for Land SAR in George St, Dunedin, during a fundraising...
Volunteer Steve Fyfe with Dart collects for Land SAR in George St, Dunedin, during a fundraising day yesterday. Wanaka Search and Rescue reported this week it has had a busy year, having mounted 44 operations. Photo by Craig Baxter.
A busy year for Wanaka Search and Rescue volunteers has been underscored by police statistics released at the organisation's annual meeting this week.

SAR co-ordinator Sergeant Aaron Nicholson reported 44 operations in the 2011-12 year, eight more than the previous year and 14 more than the 2009-10 year.

While the number of alpine operations was similar to last year at 12, there had been a steady rise in the number of sub-alpine operations, from nine in 2007-08 to 21 last year.

Sgt Nicholson said Wanaka's 70-strong SAR organisation dealt with eight fatalities during the year involving parapenting, climbing, tramping, aviation and drowning incidents.

Treasurer Bruno Geldermans reported the organisation was in a healthy financial position with a balance of $26,000 in the bank.

Mr Geldermans reported a trend towards more of the group's income coming from donations from people rescued or their families, and reduced amounts from benevolent trust grants.

Wanaka builder Roy Bailey was re-elected, unopposed, as chairman.

- mark.price@odt.co.nz

 

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