New watchtower celebrated at Kai Iwi Beach

Lifeguard and builder Matthew Newell (former WHS student) cuts the ribbon at the Kai Iwi Surf Lifeguard Watch Tower opening.
Photo / Bevan Conley

Wanganui surf life saver Glen Collins said conditions were perfect for the first day of patrols at Castlecliff and Kai Iwi beaches on Saturday.

It was also the first day of service for the new the surf lifeguard watch tower at Kai Iwi/Mowhanau beach and Mr Collins said it served its purpose well.

"I was patrolling at Mowhanau on Saturday and we had the flags up with a receding tide.

"The new tower is great.

"We had excellent communication with the patrol at Castlecliff and there were perfect conditions there as well."

Lifeguard and builder Matthew Newell instigated the building of a watch tower at Mowhanau and did most of the work himself.

He approached sponsors including main sponsor Mitre 10 MEGA and lifeguards at Mowhanau will now have shelter from the wind and rain as well as the ability to communicate efficiently with their home base at Castlecliff.

Mr Newell got to cut the ribbon at the opening of the new tower on Saturday which was celebrated with a sausage sizzle and drinks for gold coin donations with proceeds going to the Wanganui Lifeguard Services.

Wanganui surf life savers will be patrolling both beaches throughout the summer and may continue beyond the end of February 2018 depending on the weather.

By Liz Wylie
Wanganui Chronicle 19/12/17