News

Best of the Best Selected for National Lifeguard School

Wednesday, 23 October 2024

‘Exceptional in every way.’ That’s how this year’s tranche of National Lifeguard School trainees is being described.

Surf Life Saving NZ (SLSNZ) is excited to announce the 20 trainees for the national lifeguard school – the fastest, fittest, and most committed surf lifeguards.

Belinda Slement, SLSNZ Education Manager, said, “This is the pinnacle event for surf lifeguard training. Following an intensive three-day programme, they will have the skills and knowledge to make quick decisions and direct their patrol members when challenging situations happen and lives are on the line.”

All trainees meet a variety of prerequisites, including swimming 800 metres in sub-14 minute, and running three kilometres in under 20 minutes. They are experienced inflatable rescue boat drivers, hold first aid qualifications, and have experience as a Patrol Captain.

“These lifeguards have one of the most important roles in Aotearoa. They know they will be called on to save lives and are committed enough to get into peak physical and mental condition to do the very best job,” said Belinda.

“The surf lifeguards had to be in great mental and physical shape to make it through the application process. It’s tough, especially the 800-metre swim. It’s a significant distance, and they do a huge amount of training to meet this target. For many, this is where they face challenges. However, being able to complete this swim is necessary because the National Lifeguard School is intense, and we need to ensure they’re ready to face a variety of complex lifesaving situations which will be thrown their way.”

The instructing team are carefully selected as the best and most knowledgeable instructors in the country. They teach and guide the trainees through the advanced lifesaving skills they will learn.

“They’ll be taught theory and practical skills. We’ll also recreate some of the more difficult and demanding emergency situations surf lifeguards face, including mass rescue scenarios, advanced first aid, patient care, search and rescue operations, and advanced rock rescues.

“Sadly, every season, our surf lifeguards respond to serious incidents which can result in a fatality. Our aim is to equip these surf lifeguards with the right arsenal, so they can respond effectively. We want them to be leaders in their field with exceptional communication skills, tools to stay cool and calm under pressure, and the ability to adapt seamlessly to diverse coastal environments.”

 

“We would like to congratulate all of selected participants – the instructors, mentors and candidates. They are all the best of the best and we know will make the most of this opportunity,” said Belinda.

 

Head Instructor

Kate

Suter

Sumner  SLSC

Southern

Instructor 

Brad

Ward Able

Muriwai VLS/Mairangi Bay SLSC

Northern

Instructor 

Dan

Short

Mairangi Bay/United North Piha

Northern

Instructor 

Ashleigh

Hurring

Fitzroy SLSC

Central

Instructor 

Phoebe

Havill

Onemana SLSC

Eastern

Instructor

Sam

Teteina

Bethells Beach SP

Northern

Instructor

Alex

Taylor

Paekakariki SLSC/Kariaotahi SLSC

Central

 

 

 

 

 

Mentor

Olivia

Kayes

Red Beach SLSC/Papamoa SLSC

Northern

Mentor

Gabby

Trotter

Brighton SLSC

Southern

Mentor

Fergus

Rieger

Mount Maunganui LS

Eastern

Mentor

Conor

McDermott

Red Beach SLSC

Northern

 

 

 

 

 

Candidate

Colwyn

Cations-Velvin

Fitzroy SLSC

Central

Candidate

Ally

Jones

Paekakariki SL

Central

Candidate

Luca

Broome

Waimarama SLSC

Central

Candidate

Flynn

Weatherall

Omanu Beach SLSC

Eastern

Candidate

Rian

Butler

Waihi Beach LS

Eastern

Candidate

Leo

Morley

Waihi Beach LS

Eastern

Candidate

Dominic

Sutton

Whangamata SLSC

Eastern

Candidate

Amelia

Wood

Whiritoa SLSC

Eastern

Candidate

Arabella

Thompson

Muriwai VLS

Northern

Candidate

Bella

McCormick

Omaha SLSC

Northern

Candidate

Jessika

Wanden-Hannay

Piha SLSC

Northern

Candidate

Jess

Andrews

Ruakaka SLSC

Northern

Candidate

Lily

Tongue

United North Piha SLSC

Northern

Candidate

Brodie

Seelen

Nelson SLSC

Southern

Candidate

Mathieu

Reid

North Beach SLSC

Southern

Candidate

Brent

Matehaere

St Clair SLSC

Southern

Candidate

Charlotte

Underwood

St Clair SLSC

Southern

Candidate

Ben

Isles

Sumner SLSC

Southern

Candidate

Lochie

Ellison

Sumner SLSC

Southern

Candidate

Michael

Phillips

Waimairi SLSC

Southern