Rockfall and silt have built up at its rescue boat slipway, severely limiting launch times and operational capability for its all-weather rescue vessel Blue Arrow Rescue.
To raise awareness about the problem and money to fix it, Coastguard Sumner will host a soirée and art auction on May 7 from 5.30-7.30pm at the Sumner Bowls Club.
Retired New Zealand para-swimmer Dame Sophie Pascoe will be a guest speaker at the event. Pascoe is New Zealand’s most decorated Paralympian with a total of 19 medals including 11 golds.
Blue Arrow Rescue cannot currently launch during low tide due to debris that has accumulated since the earthquakes and silt flowing from the Avon-Heathcote Estuary.
Regular work is needed to clear the area to launch the boat, which can delay rescue operations for several hours.
Said Coastguard Sumner president Blair Quane: “These operational constraints directly impact our ability to respond when locals need help most.”
To solve the issue the vessel’s launch system must be modified, which would allow the rescue boat to bypass debris and launch into deeper water 24 hours a day, regardless of the tide conditions.
The exact cost of the modification is currently unclear but it is expected to be several hundred thousand dollars.
Coastguard Sumner was recognised at the Coastguard Volunteer of Excellence Awards last year, claiming the unit of the year title and rescue of the year award.
But the debris continues to cause issues for the team as it accumulates, creating a persistent challenge that shows no sign of diminishing since the September 2010 and February 2011 earthquakes. The launch delays add pressure to the team, which Quane says is already stretched when managing search and rescue missions.
The event will draw attention to both the operational challenges the volunteers face and provide the community with an opportunity to support them further.
The soirée and art auction will be hosted by former Olympic swimmer, 1990 Commonwealth Games gold medal winner and performance life coach, Anna Simcic.
The art auction will feature works by artists Sheila Brown, Rae Manson, Anton Mogridge, Sandie O’Brien and Nicky Vincent, who have “generously donated their pieces”, Quane said.
The attendees will also have the chance to win a ride on the Blue Arrow Rescue.
• To book tickets go to events.humanitix.com/coastguard-sumner-soiree-and-art-auction
