Become a Lifeguard
Spend time on our beautiful beaches, make life-long friends, become trained in first aid, resuscitation, and practical rescue skills as well as have the opportunity to stay fit and healthy through competing in a wide variety of surf lifesaving sports . . . all while saving lives and preventing drownings at New Zealand’s favourite playground.
Our volunteers come from all walks of life - they love the beach and have a desire to give back and ensure fellow kiwis and visitors get to enjoy New Zealand’s beaches as well.
You‘ll need to join your local club who will provide a supportive training programme (which will take place at a local pool, the beach and the clubrooms) to give you the skills you’ll need, to help you achieve your Surf Lifeguard Award. After you achieve your Surf Lifeguard Award you’ll join a patrol team and will be rostered for duty. Volunteer Surf Lifeguards patrol on weekends and public holidays during the warmer months of the year (typically December to March).
If you’re interested in becoming a lifeguard, please email the club captain lwslscclubcaptain@gmail.com
Pre-requisites:
14 years of age
Current member of a SLS club (that’s us at Waitārere Beach)
Duration: Variable depending on competence and instruction structure 2-8 weeks
Delivered by: Surf Life Saving club instructors, examined by local examiners
Who should complete it: Anyone interested in getting started as a Surf Lifeguard
Candidate requirements: Complete all tests, practical tasks and theory successfully
Exam components:
400m pool swim under 9 minutes
Run-Swim-Run in the Surf
Tube Rescue in the pool and surf
First Aid and CPR
Communication Signals
Radio Communication
Theory questions
Rescue tows and releases
There’s also a number of additional training and development opportunities that you can access and specialise in. This includes first aid (many different levels), inflatable rescue boats (IRBS), leadership development (ie: Patrol Captain) and so much more. Surf Life Saving provides a great pathway into many emergency service careers.
Volunteering as a Surf Lifeguard is fun and rewarding - you’ll make a real difference in people’s lives and have a great time along the way. Get in touch and join the team! We look forward to seeing you on the beach!