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Story: Lifesaving and surfing

Lifesaving reel

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Lifesaving reel

New Zealand lifesaving techniques and equipment have evolved, often in response to local conditions. One important development was the 1948 invention of the Ross Safety Belt, a canvas chest harness held together with a steel pin. The harness could be easily removed if the line it was attached to became snagged during a rescue. Later the steel pin was replaced by Velcro.

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Puke Ariki - Taranaki Museum & Library

Reference: TM.2003.129

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How to cite this page

Nancy Swarbrick, Lifesaving and surfing – Surf lifesaving develops, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/object/7359/lifesaving-reel (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 2 March 2009.