Sometimes saving a life isn't the most challenging part of the job for Surf Life Saving - it's keeping the guards on the beach in the first place. Few people would think about the actual running costs when they see lifeguards on patrol in their yellow and red uniforms, standing between the flags and rushing to rescue someone in IRB's with sponsors' logos on them.
Read more...Freddie Mitchell is too young to be an official lifeguard - but he has already saved lives from the water. The Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service junior oceans school athlete celebrated his 12th birthday on Friday.
Read more...Swimmers caught in rip currents are the reason for 80 per cent of Surf Life Saving NZ's rescues. A patch of calm water in between choppy waves may look like an inviting spot to swim, but it's probably the most dangerous thing you'll encounter at the beach: a rip.
Read more...As off-duty lifeguard Jimmy Kendrick swam out towards a struggling swimmer, he could see that the man was starting to drown.
Read more...There's something in our kiwi psyche that makes us rush in and help when someone is in trouble, usually without giving a second thought to our own safety. But when it comes to beach rescues, this heroic action sadly ends in tragedy for the rescuer far too often.
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