SLSNZ posts responses to comments, questions or feedback that may be of interest to others on this page.

Staff

How do I know which staff member to go to for my enquiry?

Patrolling

Where are all the patrolled beaches in NZ Located?

Equipment

Lifeguards spend hours under the sun, often at peak heat. Why aren't we all supplied with hats? Whistles are also an invaluable tool.

Q: How do I know which staff member to go to for my enquiry?

A: There is a list of staff and their roles on the Contact SLSNZ  page, or you can use the feedback form, or email us on communications@surflifesaving.org.nz and the enquiry will be passed to the relevant staff member.

Q: Where are all the patrolled beaches in NZ Located?

A: You can see a map with all the patrolled beaches and clubs on at www.surflifesaving.org.nz/patrols in the Lifesaving > Patrol details section.

Q: When I qualified as an active lifeguard, I received only the basic uniform (shirt and shorts). Lifeguards spend hours under the sun, often at peak heat. Why aren't we all supplied with hats? Whistles are also an invaluable tool. The two items mentioned would make the job much, much easier. 

A: Surf Life Saving New Zealand supports the wearing of hats as a sun protection measure. This is covered during training for the Surf Lifeguard Award, and subsequent qualifications in the lifeguard pathway. 

SLSNZ offers wide brim hats (which afford the best sun protection) as part of the heavily subsidised lifeguard uniform, and also offers branded lifeguard caps for those who don’t want to wear a wide brim hat. Both types are available for clubs to purchase from SLSNZ. Surf Life Saving Policy Statement SLS009 (link) details the official uniform, of which hats are part. 

Clubs are responsible for providing the lifeguard uniforms to the qualified volunteer lifeguards patrolling for them. If you have not received a hat and want one, contact your club. SLSNZ will encourage clubs ordering uniforms for newly qualified lifeguards to issue hats along with the shirt and shorts.

Your suggestion about whistles is a good one. We will identify a suitable product, and by next season (2010-11) we aim to have whistles available for clubs to buy for issue to members.

8 February 2010, Nathan Hight, General Manger, Programmes and Services