Lifeguarding

‘Proactive’ is the key word that makes Surf Life Saving unique, as an essential service.

Surf Life Saving is not a reactive rescue service activated by call outs.

Whiritoa Lifeguard Service patrols Whiritoa Beach each weekends and public holidays from December through till February as set out in our Patrol Operations Manual.

By setting out the red and yellow flags that show the safest place to swim and patrolling the Beach and Lagoon using a 4×4 Viking and Inflatable Rescue Boats we endeavor to make your weekend at the beach safe and enjoyable.

In the 2017/18 Season, lifeguards preformed 2166 volunteer patrol hours and assisted 20 people to safety, preformed 58 First Aids and 1077 preventive actions involving 7240 members of the public.

Without the continued support from our volunteers, sponsors and our local community we would not be able to operate as an effective lifesaving service.

To become a Lifeguard, the entry level qualification is the Surf Life Saving New Zealand Surf Lifeguard Award.

To achieve this award you must be:
◾14 years of age or older
◾Able to pool swim 400meters in 9 minutes
◾Run swim run in the surf
◾Sit and pass both a theory and practical exam covering first aid, resuscitation and rescue techniques.

To become a Patrol Support member, the entry level qualification is the Surf Lifesaving New Zealand Patrol Support Award.

To achieve this award you must be:
◾14 years of age or older
◾ Sit and pass theory and practical exam covering first aid, resuscitation & patrol techniques

Whiritoa Lifeguard Service is committed to ongoing development of guards both in life guarding skills, leadership development, first aid, IRB operating, coaching and instruction and communication, our training will stand you in good stead for the rest of your life regardless of age.

To become a lifeguard or join our club please click here

Once you have your Surf Lifeguard or Patrol Support award you will be put on a patrol roster to patrol the beach in the weekends.

For a copy of the patrol roster please contact our Patrol Coordinator Lachlan Power – lachlanpower9@gmail.com

Membership fees contribute to further training development for you, social activities, and all the equipment that you are entitled to use as a lifeguard, maintenance of the clubhouse where you are welcome to stay.

As a member you get to participate at regional and national events representing Whiritoa Lifeguard Service.