04/06/2026
Dear members, sadly, I am writing to inform you all of the passing of Brenda Griffith earlier this week, fondly known by many throughout the wider Surf Life Saving movement as BG. I have been informed that Brenda passed away peacefully in her accommodation at Waipu Cove where she lived on her own for the past 3 or more years.
Brenda was Muriwai's first national lady competitor, joining Muriwai Volunteer Life Saving Club in 1974, BG was a fearlessly competitive swimmer, joining Muriwai from a water polo background. Brenda soon stamped her mark in surf sports events, winning national and regional titles in woman's open swim and other events. Brenda, also competed in events such as the belt race, R & R and the march past, events that no longer exist on current surf sports competitions.
Brenda was at home in the water, whether in the pool or in surf, known to be able to pip her fellow competitors by her uncanny knack of catching the smallest swell or inshore white water to win her races, so competitive at times, she was known to have unofficially swim in the open men's surf swim events, and showing the men a thing or two about Surf Swimming.
Go well Brenda in your next journey.
Nga mihi nui
Mark Goodhew
President
