News
Young Surf Lifeguards Gain Vital Skills to Help Save Lives This Summer
Tuesday, 8 December 2020Press Release
Dec 8, 2020
Intermediate Surf Lifeguards from across the Bay of Plenty, Coromandel & Tairāwhiti Gisborne District are well-equipped to save lives this summer thanks to the Zespri Intermediate Lifeguard School.
Nineteen candidates aged 15+ converged at Waihi Beach over the weekend of November 27th – 29th to participate in specialised training modules. Over the course of the weekend, the candidates took part in a dynamic combination of theory and practical sessions designed to enhance their ability to respond in a variety of lifesaving situations.
Club Development Officer – Coromandel Area, Poppy Crouch, says she was impressed by the enthusiasm and capability of the candidates.
“Our candidates all worked hard all weekend and learned a lot of new skills they’ll be able to take back to their home beaches and use this summer,” she says.
The Surf Lifeguards worked in groups over the weekend and completed activities ranging from rock-rescue modules, board rescues, and scanning & surveillance, to a tailored lesson in how to set up a helicopter landing zone.
“Ambulance, police and fire services also visited and candidates were able to look through an ambulance and a fire truck, as well as run through patrol and first aid scenarios,” says Crouch.
The Zespri Intermediate Lifeguard School’s “top candidate,” based on his overall aptitude and commitment to learning, was Sam Perkins from Onemana SLSC.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s (SLSNZ) Regional Manager – Eastern Region, Chase Cahalane, says the Zespri Intermediate Lifeguard School provides a great opportunity for Junior Lifeguards to become more confident and capable lifeguards.
“The Zespri Intermediate Lifeguard School is an important milestone for junior lifeguards and we are thrilled that these 19 young people now have a fresh set of skills to take to the beach with them this summer,” he says.
“The school would not be a success without the support of our partner, Zespri, and we greatly appreciate their support for this important lifesaving initiative.”
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About SLSNZ
SLSNZ is the national association representing 74 surf lifesaving clubs with 18,000+ members, including more than 4,000 volunteer Surf Lifeguards. Our lifeguards patrol over 90 locations each summer and provide emergency call-out rescue services throughout Aotearoa, saving hundreds of lives each year and ensuring thousands return home safe after a day at the beach.
We do all this as a charity and rely on the generosity of the public, commercial partners, foundations and trusts for donations and financial contributions in order to lead and support our incredible front-line volunteer lifeguarding services.
For more information, please contact:
Mackenzie Koppel
Surf Life Saving NZ Media & Communications Manager
021 757 433