No off switch: from summer patrol to winter training

LIFEGUARD SCHOOL: Young surf lifeguards from across the Eastern Region attended an intermediate lifeguard development course at Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club at the weekend. Back row (from left) are Dominic Sutton (staff), Harrison Beattie (mentor), Ben Sutherland (mentor), Liam Shanahan (mentor), Lucien Touchette, Fergus McHardy, Freya Wilson, Jaeden Waldron, Jack Harray, Zachary Cairns, Ryan Bevin, Toby Low, Kevin Weatherley (instructor), Theo Weatherley (mentor), Edan Wilson (mentor) and Nick Wagstaff (staff). Front: Avan Polo (staff), Ben Goffin (instructor), Bella Muir (instructor), Eden Gloyn, Alexia Touchette, Sierra Blumfield, Jessica Pilbrow, Hannah Louise, Brooke Leeder, Jesse Hayes, Sian Gebert, Tyler Ranger (instructor), Gabby Hughes (instructor) and Robynne Cabusao (staff). Picture supplied

A group of 16 young surf lifeguards from across the Eastern Region took part in an intermediate lifeguard development event in Gisborne over the weekend.

The school provides junior lifeguards with skills, knowledge and connections to develop as lifeguards and future leaders.

“It’s a dynamic combination of theory and practical-based training sessions, including rock and board rescue techniques, alongside patrolling and first aid scenarios,” Surf Life Saving NZ Gisborne/Tairāwhiti club development officer Nick Wagstaff said.

“Although the 2022/23 patrolling season has ended, when it comes to our hard-working surf lifeguards, there’s no off switch.

“As the cold winter months begin, lifeguards ramp up their training to learn new skills and refine existing ones in preparation for the summer ahead.”

The lifeguards involved at the weekend were aged 15 to 27.

“They came together to learn from 10 of the Eastern Region’s more experienced guards, who volunteered their time to mentor, instruct and share their knowledge.”

SLSNZ Eastern Region manager Avan Polo attended the event in support of the region’s club development officers.

“Our mission is to equip our trainees with the skills and knowledge they need to perform their duties effectively and safely, and I’m confident they will rise to the challenge.

“During the school, candidates are exposed to realistic surf rescue situations and gain valuable insight into emergency response inter-agency collaboration.

“We bring in representatives from St John Ambulance, the police, Fire and Emergency NZ and the rescue helicopter to share their experiences.

“This furthers inter-agency relationships and reinforces the respect and value that these agencies have for our surf lifeguards.”

The event was hosted at Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club and candidates came from all over the east coast of the North Island — from Tairua to Waikanae. “

“With such dedicated and skilled lifeguards in training, New Zealand’s beaches will be safe and well protected next summer,” Mr Polo said.