As summer draws to an end and the official Surf Life Saving patrol season gets set to wind down at Easter, over 1500 of New Zealand’s top Lifeguards are coming together this weekend for the pinnacle sporting event of the season at the NZCT Surf Life Saving Championships in Whakatane from March 11 – 14.

The four day event will see 102 titles up for grabs and create an ideal opportunity for New Zealand’s Surf Life Saving head coach Scott Bartlett to view potential candidates for the New Zealand squad due to travel to Egypt in 2010.

Record numbers will attend the carnival this year with 1518 Surf Lifeguards competing – up 51% on ten years ago.

“These top athletes are all Surf Lifeguards who voluntarily patrol our beaches – the skill sets they develop to compete at sport events such as these, certainly bolsters the quality of lifeguarding services we’re able to offer – ultimately delivering safer beaches,” said Grant Florence Chief Executive Surf Life Saving New Zealand.

“Rescue statistics are down this summer which is a testament to the members of our organisation. This is counteracted by ‘Preventative Actions’ which are up on last year – it shows the beach-going public are listening to the advice of Surf Lifeguards who are able to prevent incidents or accidents before they happen – and that’s great for everyone,” he said.

“Despite the challenges on volunteer’s time we have some great training and coaching programmes in Clubs. It’s these programmes that have seen a consistent growth in our membership and numbers travelling to our national champs.”

“Translate that into our core business – lifesaving patrols means we are in a good space to continue to meet public expectations around our coastline.”

“As one of New Zealand’s top charities - we’re extremely fortunate to have such dedicated and skilled volunteers patrolling our beaches.” said Florence.

The NZCT Surf Life Saving Championships will conclude on Sunday 14th March at Ohope Beach, Whakatane.

>>Check out the live results throughout the competition
>>For more information visit the nationals event page