Surf Life Saving New Zealand is pleased to announce the candidates, along with the team of Instructors and Mentors that have been selected for this season’s National Lifeguard School.

The National Lifeguard School is Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s highest surf lifesaving course in which candidates undergo intense training to gain their Advanced Lifeguard Award - the highest qualification available to lifeguards in New Zealand.

The school combines dynamic theory sessions with a number of intensive practical and scenario based activities extending participants both physically and mentally - honing already advanced skills.

We are fortunate to have a deep pool of exceptional lifeguards patrolling around our coastline. As in previous years, the standard of applicants was very high and we congratulate the 20 lifeguards selected to take part at Fitzroy from December 6-8.

Some of the skills the young lifeguards learn at National Lifeguard School include:

• Navigation through rocky waters and rescues from rocks
• Advanced first aid and patient care
• Identifying stages of drowning
• Recognising the body’s emotional and physical responses to crisis
• Directing rescues while maintaining beach patrols
• Directing search and rescue operations
• Leadership and communication in emergency situations
• Working with emergency agencies

Candidates for this year’s National Lifeguard School are:

• Jago Dellow, Paekakariki
• Thomas Downs, Paekakariki
• Tarras Rall, Mt. Maunganui
• Jake Hoffart, Omanu
• Ryan Hohneck, Papamoa
• James Fellows-Ford, Tairua
• Georgia Eldridge, Waihi Beach
• Lucy Scown, Waihi Beach
• Sonia Keepa, Wainui
• Max Jones, Whangamata
• Joseph Wilson, Mairangi Bay
• Rhys Lloyd, Piha
• Kevin Hill, Ruakaka
• Asher Lambert, Kotuku
• Brittany Spencer, Nelson
• Timothy Ball, Oreti
• Jackson Aluesi, St. Clair
• Mikayla Garforth, St. Clair
• Luke Smith, Taylors Mistake
• Sarah McNaughton, Warrington

Instructors and Mentors for this year are:

• Head Instructor – Seth McPhee, Brighton
• Instructor – Chris Harrison, Ocean Beach Kiwi
• Instructor – David Clarke, United North PIha
• Instructor – Adam Fraser, Fitzroy
• Instructor – Kate Suter, Sumner
• Instructor – James Lloyd, Waihi Beach
• Mentor – Tom Denman, Sumner
• Mentor – Nicholas Wagstaff, Waihi Beach
• Mentor – Sophrose London, Otaki
• Mentor – Toni Cranko, Sumner

The annual National Lifeguard School will be held at Fitzroy Beach Surf Life Saving Club from Friday December 6 to Sunday December 8.

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For more information contact: 

Melanie Louden

Media and Communications Manager

Surf Life Saving NZ 

021 757 433

melanie.louden@surflifesaving.org.nz