National Lifeguard School pushes top Lifeguards to advance their skills

20 of New Zealand’s top volunteer Surf Lifeguards participated in a dynamic and intensive training weekend to further advance their knowledge and experience. 

The candidates were put through their paces at Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s National Lifeguard School. The weekend enabled them to progress towards achieving their Advanced Lifeguard Award, the highest Surf Life Saving Award available in New Zealand. 

The Volunteer Surf Lifeguards, from as far south as Brighton and as far north as Orewa, travelled to Waihi Surf Life Saving Club to take part in the National Lifeguard School from February 18 - 20. All participants completed the school in superb conditions. 

Between the physically demanding sessions, candidates undertook classroom-based learning, team building activities and well-orchestrated patrol, first aid and search scenarios. 

Event Manager, Belinda Slement says the candidates were challenged from start to finish during the “high octane” weekend. 

“The weekend really tested the candidates with full days that started early and finished late. They were put into high-stress situations that required them to develop advanced skills and knowledge and they did a fantastic job stepping up to the challenge.” 

National Lifeguard School is critical for building the organisation’s lifeguarding capability across the country. 

Belinda says, “The National Lifeguard School provides a goal for all lifeguards to gun for and pushes them to be the best they can be. It offers participants the opportunity to build their skillset and knowledge to a high level. They take these valuable learnings and the confidence they have developed back to their home beaches across the regions, and can help inspire other lifeguards coming through the ranks.” 

The school is carried out by an inspiring team of highly skilled instructors with extensive real-life rescue, search and first aid experience. Throughout the weekend, candidates were constantly observed and evaluated by staff and instructors in the search for the school’s standout pupil. 

The top candidate award recognises the individual who consistently demonstrates the attributes of an advanced lifeguard. Leadership, teamwork, diligence, tenacity, knowledge, lifeguarding skills and physical ability are all equally weighted in consideration. 

Top Candidate, Matt Millward from Whangamata Surf Life Saving Club

This year, Matt Millward from Whangamata Surf Life Saving Club was crowned ‘top candidate’. He says, “National Guard school was a weekend full of fun, adventure and challenge. The ability to develop a range of skills around such exceptional lifeguards, mentors and instructors provided me with great experience and knowledge. Both of which I can take back to my club patrols, helping keep the beaches safer. 
 
“Many of the tasks from the weekend put me out of my zone of knowledge and comfort, allowing me to develop and enhance my IRB, surf and leadership skills.” 

Candidates for this year’s National Lifeguard School were: 

Instructors and Mentors for this year were: