Waipū lifeguard Ian Godfrey celebrates 50th season saving lives of Northland beachgoers

Waipū Cove surf lifeguard Ian Godfrey, 63, is celebrating his 50th season keeping Northland beachgoers safe in the water. Photo / Michael Cunningham

As a teenager Northland lifeguard Ian Godfrey used to hitch 150km from his Auckland home to Waipū Cove because his fervour for lifesaving was so strong.

It's a love story that has reached 50 patrol seasons for the 63-year-old Waipū surf lifeguard.

"I just enjoy it through and through," Godfrey said. "Lifesaving has provided me with great transferable skills and life experiences, and camaraderie."

While Godfrey officially lives in Auckland, the city council building inspector is a local face in the Waipū community as he has travelled north to the coastal township every summer - and later every winter - for half a century since he qualified as a lifeguard as a water-loving 14-year-old.

"As a teenager I would have Christmas Day at home, then mum and dad lost me for six to eight weeks. Much to my dad's dislike I used to hitchhike up here just to get to Waipū."

Godfrey's dad hit the roof when he found out but knew he couldn't keep his son from what he cherished most - surf lifesaving.

A talented basketball player, avid surfer, and competitive swimmer, Godfrey fell into surf lifesaving in 1971 when a member of the Waipū surf club moved next door to his Auckland home.

"My neighbour found out I could swim and brought me into the Waipū surf club."

And it was love at first sight for Godfrey.

"I have been coming up ever since - I just love the place. It's the people, you get to catch up with lifelong friends or meet new people who you strike a friendship with. I get to know a lot of the campers who come every year."

A vast number of lives have been saved by Godfrey over the years, alongside fellow lifeguards, but none can eclipse the memory of his first rescue as a newly qualified recruit.

He and lifeguard John Albert, who became a lifetime friend, were body surfing in the waves when they spotted a swimmer in trouble.

"The guy had got a little bit of cramp. We bolted over and supported him in the water for a couple of minutes until help arrived."

Godfrey's first heroic feat as a lifeguard was shortly after the introduction of neoprene rescue tubes designed to phase out the Ross Safety Belt – a three-piece canvas chest harness held together with a steel pin.

Well-earned accolades to acknowledge his major contributions to surf lifesaving included a life membership, service awards, and distinguished awards were bestowed on the father of two from his local club as well as regionally, and nationally.

"The best achievement for me - and everyone who has contributed to the club over the years - are seeing the younger members who come through and go on to careers where they keep helping people."

The Waipū Cove Surf Life Saving Club was Northland's first official surf club with 92 years under its belt. The club's 1928 establishment makes it one of the country's oldest lifesaving clubs.

Other surf life clubs in Northland are based at Ocean Beach, Whangārei Heads;
Ruakākā; Mangawhai Heads; Baylys Beach and in the Far North at Ahipara.