They were practising a tsunami evacuation. As Lyndsey watched, he had an idea on how it could be improved.
“The first thing I thought was, what they really need in a situation like that is some radios,” he said.
He reached out to school principal Nick Leith.
“He was really worried for our safety, so it was from a position of real support more than anything,” said Leith.
“It’s good when someone questions why you do the things you do, so you can figure it out.”
The main thing they discussed was communication between staff.
“In a situation like that with people trying to get up hills and children in all directions, communication would be important,” said Lyndsey.
Previously, staff used mobile phones to communicate in the practice drills, but walkie-talkies were more suitable due to their directness, said Lyndsey.
He said the radio devices also connect multiple parties at once and enable teachers to better concentrate while speaking.
Lyndsey said they would be useful for sports days, field trips and lunch-times as well.
He was invited to the school for assembly on Monday where he was recognised for his contribution.
“I don’t want the publicity, I just find helping other people very rewarding,” he said.
Said Leith: “The important part is it’s part of a good health and safety plan, but just as important is that connection to local community.
“It’s one of our strategic goals as to how we can include the school in everything in the community and vice versa . . . The more people who can have a positive input, the better the school is.”
Lyndsey has lived in Redcliffs all his life.
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else, its a wonderful area.”
He went to Sumner School and is a Christchurch Yacht Club life member, to which he attributes his knowledge of walkie-talkies.
Lyndsey was an engineer at Brown Brothers for 46 years before he retired.
