Anna Beavis - A Class Act

Ordinary Kiwis Doing Extraordinary Things Profile

Jan 27, 2021

Anna Beavis is a natural-born mentor.

The Fitzroy SLSC member became a Surf Lifeguard straight out of junior surf and quickly developed a love for coaching children and young people – a passion that evolved into her chosen career.

“My dad became a Surf Lifeguard the year before [I joined] and I wanted to give back to my community…who knew I would continue to do it for the next 17 years?! The motto In it for Life really does mean ‘In it for Life’,” she laughs.

Today, Beavis is a Surf Lifeguard, an Instructor, an Examiner, and a qualified Facilitator for the training of new Instructors and Patrol Captains. She’s was Fitzroy SLSC’s Secretary for three years, served on the local Lifeguard Committee and dedicates her time to nurturing the development of younger club members.

In her “day job,” Beavis is a year 4 teacher at Waitara East School, about 15 minutes’ Northeast of New Plymouth. Surf Lifesaving played an important role in deciding Beavis’ career path; she realised early on – when she first gained her Surf Lifeguard Award and began helping out at junior surf – that she loved teaching and coaching children.

“I completed a Bachelor of Arts at Victoria University and then I came home and did a Graduate Diploma in primary teaching via correspondence so that I could continue surf club. I came up through junior surf myself and wanted to give back to the club after all the coaching I had had received over the years.”

In 2013, Beavis was selected by Surf Life Saving NZ to attend Outward Bound on a scholarship. Since she was studying at the time, she could only attend during the uni break…which was in the middle of winter.

“During our 21 days, we experienced snow and a lot of rain on most of our excursions. But it was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had.”

“I was also selected to attend the bp Leaders for Life course in 2015 and I found that this really helped contribute to my role as a teacher. I’m thankful for all the opportunities I’ve had through surf, many of which have benefited me not just in surf but in my everyday job.”

Beavis says her favourite thing about Surf Life Saving is the “family atmosphere” and the fact that she’s able to help others in the community.

Outside of surf, she enjoys spending time with her partner and their two “fur babies”, as well as working on their first home and catching up with friends.

“I’m lucky that my partner supports my love and involvement with the surf club, seeing as I spend most weekends down here during summer! I enjoy sharing my passion for surf with the younger ones and passing on the knowledge that I’ve gained over the years.

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For more information, please contact:

Mackenzie Koppel
Media and Communications Manager
Surf Life Saving New Zealand
021 757 433
mackenzie.koppel@surflifesaving.org.nz