Waihi Beach lifeguards given award-winning security system

When lifeguard rescue gear had gone missing a few times, and five motors were stolen from another lifeguard club in the region, Waihi Beach Lifeguard Services knew it was time to step up its security. Hamilton-based global technology company Gallagher was happy to get involved, donating an award-winning security system to protect the club’s vital equipment and manage access to different parts of the clubrooms.

Andrew Cochrane, Waihi Beach Lifeguard Services Asset Director, has been with the club for 24 years. “We are a charity that relies on volunteer support, donations and fundraising efforts for all of our rescue equipment, vehicles and supplies, so any loss is hard to recover from,” says Andrew. “The equipment is not only worth a lot of money, it’s crucial to saving lives. Losing any of it hinders our ability to perform rescues and respond to other emergencies in the wider region.”

Between Labour weekend and Easter the club provides volunteer weekend patrols from 10am-5pm. During the busy summer season from mid-December to the end of January regional lifeguards are there every day to keep beachgoers safe and respond to emergencies. The club also has a 24/7 emergency call-out squad. Over 15,000 people pass through the building in a year, including school and community groups who use it as a venue.

Lifeguards will now be issued with access wristbands to wear while they’re on patrol. Simply swiping the wristband at an access reader will unlock the door. When the day is done, the last one out can set the alarms with a simple exit button at the door. Gallagher’s Mobile Client gives club managers the flexibility to lock and unlock the doors from anywhere and check in if an alarm is triggered.

Steve Cooke, Gallagher Sales Manager Central North Island, says it was clear to see how Gallagher could help. Parts of the clubrooms need to be open to the public, but access to the accommodation, office and storage areas needs to be tightly controlled. “We installed around $10,000 worth of security equipment to enable all the doors to be managed appropriately. That’s just a small recognition of the enormous value the lifeguards provide to the community.”

Gallagher also supports Whangamata Surf Lifesaving, Raglan Coastguard and Waihi Coastguard – among up to 100 other community initiatives across New Zealand each year.

“As a security business, keeping people safe is at the heart of what we do; as a result, we’re committed to helping community organisations and causes who share that value,” says Mark Junge, Global General Manager of Gallagher’s security division.

“Donating this security system creates a safe and secure environment for staff, volunteers, and other people using the clubrooms – like school groups. It gives lifeguards peace of mind that their people, equipment and vehicles are safe and ready to use when an emergency occurs.”

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