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 |
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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 |
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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 |