Another day at the beach
This book says it is "a story about ordinary people doing extraordinary things in their spare time." That means hearing cries for help, spotting an upraised arm, differentiating struggle from play, and then battling the surf to pluck a drowning person from the sea.
The book is thoroughly illustrated with photographs, cuttings, clippings, pictures, cartoons & memorabilia but it is more than just a beautiful pictorial history - it is the story of the thousands of lifeguards who have risked their own lives to save others at the beaches up and down the country over the last 100 years.
As well as the heroism, there is excellent coverage of the talent, skill, dedication and sheer hard slog of the surf lifesaving teams and their training. Their national and international competitions are fully covered too and make for very interesting reading.
Given the role the beach plays in most New Zealanders' lives, it is likely you will spot someone you know (or someone who once rescued you), and even if you don't, this story of our selfless New Zealand lifeguards is well worth a read.
Here is everything you could want to know about the superb volunteer lifesavers and their clubs: friendship, hardship, triumph, tragedy, teamwork, competition, humour and everything in between.
