‘Bod Squad’ saves skins

Press, 9 January 1986, Page 12

‘Bod Squad’ saves skins

PA Auckland A spray-painter, Mr Grant Gifford, has taken his talents to the beach. He sprays sunbathers with tanning lotion. When it is not raining—his “Bod Squad” has been getting a “terrific response” from swimmers on Auckland’s east coast beaches. In spite of rulings from seven councils forbidding it, Mr Gifford’s “Bod Squad” is on the beach whenever the weather is fine. He sprays people with sun-screen lotion at $1 a time (50c for the children), and $3 for a family. “I’m spraying over 2000 people each day,” Mr Gifford said. “People love the idea, and I’m thoroughly enjoying myself.” When Mr Gifford set up his business four months ago, seven councils rejected

bis application for permission. They said commercial operations on beaches were illegal, and added to peak season congestion. But he went ahead anyway. “I’m not trying to be a hero,” he said. “This is not only for me, it’s for others who have tried to set up schemes and have been thwarted by council rulings.” The “Bod Squad” is a oneman band, and it will stay that way while there is a danger of crossing swords with local councils. Mr Gifford said he was expecting trouble from the councils, but would fight heavily to keep the “Bod Squad” spraying. “For now, I’m doing it my way,” the enterprising spray-painter said. “If it doesn’t work, I’m out of pocket.”