On call 24/7, our volunteer crew are ready to respond to any call for help.
We operate three modern rescue vessels - Gallagher Rescue, AVOCO Rescue and Mike Hall Rescue.
Our volunteer radio operators are available to take calls on Marine VHF Ch07 at any time.
We operate three modern rescue vessels - Gallagher Rescue, AVOCO Rescue and Mike Hall Rescue.
Our volunteer radio operators are available to take calls on Marine VHF Ch07 at any time.
History
When a local fisherman lost his life in 1989 there were no sea rescue services available in the area.
In 1990 a public meeting was called by local boating people to express concerns about the growing number of boaties and the dangerous Bowentown Bar. A steering committee was formed and in May that year the Waihi Beach Volunteer Coastguard Association Inc was established.
Fundraising began immediately for a rescue craft and in December 1990 the “Waipaopao”, a six metre fibreglass Shark Cat was officially launched. Meanwhile a radio service was being provided from a room in the basement of Bowentown Boating Club.
The need for a building to house the boat and radio operations was the next challenge. In September 1993 work finally began on the current building after a huge fundraising effort. Built in stages the building was officially opened by Lillian Valder in November 1996.
January 1999 saw Waipaopao replaced by Search One an 8.5m Rayglass Protector rigid inflatable.
2003 was a busy year raising funds for another rescue vessel, Search Two, a five metre jet boat. Launched in July she proved invaluable for negotiating areas difficult for larger boats.
In early 2012 Waihi Beach Coastguard began raising funds to replace Search One. Later that year a 9.5m Naiad powered by twin 250 hp Yamaha four stroke outboards hit the water. Named Gallagher Rescue the new boat has seen a huge improvement in crew comfort and operational ability.
A replacement for Search Two was constructed and launched in 2017. AVOCO Rescue is a 5.8m walk through design RHIB with twin 115 hp outboards.
When a local fisherman lost his life in 1989 there were no sea rescue services available in the area.
In 1990 a public meeting was called by local boating people to express concerns about the growing number of boaties and the dangerous Bowentown Bar. A steering committee was formed and in May that year the Waihi Beach Volunteer Coastguard Association Inc was established.
Fundraising began immediately for a rescue craft and in December 1990 the “Waipaopao”, a six metre fibreglass Shark Cat was officially launched. Meanwhile a radio service was being provided from a room in the basement of Bowentown Boating Club.
The need for a building to house the boat and radio operations was the next challenge. In September 1993 work finally began on the current building after a huge fundraising effort. Built in stages the building was officially opened by Lillian Valder in November 1996.
January 1999 saw Waipaopao replaced by Search One an 8.5m Rayglass Protector rigid inflatable.
2003 was a busy year raising funds for another rescue vessel, Search Two, a five metre jet boat. Launched in July she proved invaluable for negotiating areas difficult for larger boats.
In early 2012 Waihi Beach Coastguard began raising funds to replace Search One. Later that year a 9.5m Naiad powered by twin 250 hp Yamaha four stroke outboards hit the water. Named Gallagher Rescue the new boat has seen a huge improvement in crew comfort and operational ability.
A replacement for Search Two was constructed and launched in 2017. AVOCO Rescue is a 5.8m walk through design RHIB with twin 115 hp outboards.
Waipaopao
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Search One
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Search Two
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Gallagher Rescue
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AVOCO Rescue
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