Focus On Prevention Results In Lowest Rescue Numbers In Years

A focus on preventative action this summer saw Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) conduct 577 rescues over the summer patrol season

01 / 06

Raglan and Far North surf lifesavers recognised at NZSAR awards

Raglan Surf Life Saving Club took out the top Gold Award for Operational Activity at the NZSAR Awards held last night for the rescue of three people from a boat overturned on the Raglan Bar in December 2024. Far North Surf Rescue was also awarded a Certificate of Achievement-Operational Activity or the rescue of fishermen swept from rocks near Tapotupotu Bay.

02 / 06

SLSNZ Beach Education programme teaches water safety skills to over 25,000 young people this season

A total of 25,500 school aged students from Ahipara in the far north to Oreti in Southland have learned valuable water safety skills during the 2024-25 season thanks to the SLSNZ Beach Education programme.

03 / 06

Sunset Beach Claims Third Consecutive bp IRB National Title

Port Waikato’s Sunset Beach Surf Life Saving Club has once again proven its dominance at the bp IRB New Zealand Championships.

04 / 06

2025 bp New Zealand IRB Champs Breaks Records

A record-breaking 123 crews from across the country are set to compete at Waipu Cove for the bp New Zealand IRB (Inflatable Rescue Boat) Championships.

05 / 06

SLSNZ Urges Caution As Surf Lifeguard Weekday Patrols Finish

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) is urging beachgoers to take extra care as the last weekday surf lifeguard weekday patrols finish up.

06 / 06

Surf Lifeguards can be the difference between life and death.

SLSNZ is a charity and the national association representing 74 Surf Life Saving Clubs across Aotearoa, 4,500+ volunteer surf lifeguards who patrol at over 90 locations through summer.

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Our 2023/2024 statistics were...

Zero

Drownings between the flags

204

Searches at Aotearoa beaches

242,299

Hours Patrolled

893

Lives saved

4,329

Surf lifeguards

Become a Surf Lifeguard

We are a swimming nation. New Zealand boasts 15,000km of coastline and 90% of us live within 40 minutes of a beach but our glorious surf can be a deadly playground. Find out how you can join us.

Become a Surf Lifeguard