Surf lifeguards showcase courage at Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union halftime challenge

On Sunday 16 August, surf lifeguards from Sunset Beach Lifeguard Service and Surf Lifesaving Kariaotahi took part in a special emergency services competition hosted by Counties Manukau Rugby at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukehohe.

Held as the half-time entertainment during a match that was themed around courage, the competition brought together frontline teams to compete in front of the local crowd.

Aligned with the courage theme, the challenge featured three legs: a stretcher carry, an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) carry, and a final stage with one team member dressed in riot gear running across the line.

The competition saw teams from the Police, Surf Life Saving, and the match-day medical team go head-to-head. After a spirited contest across all three legs, MRI Medical won the event.

Beyond the action on the field, the event was a wonderful fundraising success, raising over $500 for Surf Life Saving. The funds have been shared between Sunset Beach Lifeguard Service and Surf Lifesaving Kariaotahi, with Sunset Beach putting their share towards sport equipment.

In an additional gesture of appreciation, Counties Manukau Rugby has since invited 12 surf lifeguards to attend their upcoming Father's Day game, where they will be hosted as guests in a VIP booth as a thank you for their service to the local community.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand extends our sincere gratitude to Counties Manukau Rugby for getting clubs from their wider community involved in the match-day event and for supporting our fundraising efforts.

We also want to say a huge thank you to everyone at the game for your generous support and continued encouragement of our volunteer surf lifeguards, who dedicate their time to keeping our communities safe.