Papamoa SLSC

Club Overview

The Pāpāmoa Surf Life Saving Club (PSLSC) is dedicated to preventing drowning and injury along Pāpāmoa Beach’s 14km stretch of coastline. Despite being one of New Zealand’s youngest surf clubs, PSLSC has rapidly grown to nearly 900 members, ranging from 5 to 80 years old. It now ranks among the country’s largest and busiest clubs, with over 6,000 volunteer patrol hours recorded each summer.

The club’s core mission is supported by a range of programs aimed at developing water safety skills and fostering community engagement. The Junior Surf Programme, open to children aged 5–13, introduces beach safety and surf skills in a fun, supportive environment. For those aged 12–13, the Rookies Junior Lifeguard Programme provides a pathway into lifeguarding. Older youth and adults can participate in the Surf Sports Programme, which includes competitive training in swimming, board paddling, and beach events.

PSLSC's commitment extends beyond seasonal patrols. Volunteers provide a 24/7 on-call rescue service year-round and support local emergency services when needed. The club also offers educational initiatives, such as the Junior Surf Programme, which not only teaches children vital surf lifesaving skills but also instils values of fair play and community service.

Pāpāmoa Beach, known for its excellent swimming and surfing conditions, attracts over 20,000 visitors each summer. The area's rapid residential growth has led to an influx of beachgoers, many with limited water safety knowledge. In response, PSLSC has intensified its efforts, making it one of the top ten busiest clubs nationally for patrol hours, rescues, and preventative actions.

Through its comprehensive programs and unwavering volunteer support, Pāpāmoa Surf Life Saving Club continues to play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of its beach community.

2023: Bay of Plenty & Coromandel Awards of Excellence: BOP Overall Club of the Year
2019: Bay of Plenty & Coromandel Awards of Excellence: BOP Rescue of the Year
2019: BOP Patrol Club of the Year
2018: Zespri Bay of Plenty & Coromandel Awards of Excellence: Sports Team of the Year – Papamoa Open Women Pool Relay Team
2018: BOP Zespri Club of the Year
2014: 1st Place – Interclub World Youth Championships 'Rescue 14', France
2014: 1st Place – Interclub World IRB Championships 'Rescue 14', France
2014: 1st Place – Eastern Region Rookie Lifeguard Championships
2014: 1st Place – Eastern Region Pool Rescue Championships
2014: 1st Place – State New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships
2014: 1st Place – BP Surf Rescue North Island Championships
2014: 1st Place – BP Surf Rescue National IRB Championships
2014: 2nd Place – BOP Senior Championships
2014: 2nd Place – Eastern Region Senior Championships
2014: 2nd Place – Eastern Region Junior Championships
2014: 2nd Place – State New Zealand National Championships
2014: 3rd Place – "Oceans 14" New Zealand U14 National Championships
2014: Australian Pool Rescue Championships: 23 Medals – 7 Gold, 7 Silver, 9 Bronze
2014: National Team Selections: 2 Athletes – Selected for the 2014 SLSNZ National High-Performance Squad
2014: National Team Selections: 6 Athletes – Selected for the 2014 SLSNZ Development Squad
2014: National Team Selections: 1 Athlete – Selected for the 2014 NZ Open Team (Black Fins) at 'Rescue 14' World Championships, France – 1st Overall World Champions
2014: National Team Selections: 6 Athletes – Selected for the 2014 New Zealand Youth Team at 'Rescue 14' World Championships, France – 2nd Overall World Champions.
2025 BOP/Coromandel AOE - BOP Patrol Club of the Year.