"It was a great networking experience and I truly have made friends for life; we constantly shared stories and experiences which was really eye opening as we all come from different backgrounds."
One of his highlights for the weekend was the advanced Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) training, learning to navigate around rocks in quite a different environment to what he's used to at Omanu Beach, along with the rescue helicopter work.
Earning the honour of top candidate means a lot not just to him, but his club too, he said.
"I am honoured to receive this award and it will inspire the next generation of lifeguards from my club who follow on behind me. I'm very proud of my achievement and I will definitely not be stopping here."
Surf Life Saving New Zealand member development manager Belinda Slement said Haven demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, teamwork, IRB driving and rock rescue skills, general fitness and showed a positive attitude throughout the three-day school.
"We had 19 of New Zealand's best lifeguards taking part this year. They all have to be at a really high level just to be selected for National Lifeguard School so topping the list is an outstanding achievement that Haven should be incredibly proud of," she said.
Throughout the weekend they were tested both mentally and physically on a number of tasks from advanced IRB training, rock swimming, helicopter jumps, search and rescue and patrol scenarios.
Slement said Fitzroy was a fantastic location to host the school, providing many opportunities for learning and development both in and out of the water.
"We had hot sunny weather all weekend and observed all of the candidates working hard to challenge themselves and develop their lifeguarding skills," she said.
Part of Surf Life Saving's partnership with Zespri, which was formed last year, sees a number of scholarships available for the annual National Lifeguard School to cover the user-pays component of the course cost for Eastern Region candidates.
This year, eight of the 19 candidates came from Surf Life Saving's Eastern Region.
Zespri General Manager Grower & External Relations Dave Courtney said they were proud to support this year's candidates including Haven, Donal Boyle, Liam McGovern and Gabriel Puckey-Brockelsby from Omanu, Xavier Murphy and Nicholas Bodenstein from Pauanui, Joanne Parry from Pukehina and Nick Wagstaff from Waihi Beach.
"Providing free training for local lifeguards is our way of recognising the everyday heroes who do so much for our communities, keeping our beaches safer for everyone to enjoy."
Pauanui's Xavier Murphy said National Lifeguard School was amazing and it pushed the candidates to challenge not only what they think but also how they lifeguard through a mixture of theory and practical sessions.
"My highlight was getting to jump out of the rescue helicopter- it was the most exciting thing I've done through surf lifesaving," he said.
Xavier said being one of the Zespri scholarship recipients was an honour.
"It made me feel stoked that they were willing to support me to train at what I love to do so I am able to be more effective at saving lives on the beach," he said.
Candidates:
Laura Puckett, Omaha Beach
Jordan Te Aukura, Mairangi Bay
Liam McGovern, Omanu Beach
Donal Boyle, Omanu Beach
Haven Bellamy, Omanu Beach
Gabriel Puckey-Brockelsby, Omanu Beach
Xavier Murphy, Pauanui
Joanne Parry, Pukehina
Nick Wagstaff, Waihi Beach
Nicholas Bodenstein, Pauanui
Emma Riseley, Lyall Bay
Joshua Braddock, Otaki
Michael Watts, New Plymouth Old Boys
DJ Stapleton, Titahi Bay
Jackson Smith, Waimairi
Nic Brice, St Kilda
Fraser Smith, Waimairi
Jade Jeffery, Sumner
Melissa Patterson, Sumner
