SLSNZ Eastern Region Pool rescue a whānau affair for Waihī Beach
How many sports give parents the chance to compete alongside their children? Siblings the chance to compete in the same team?
For Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services Inc (WBLGS), that was one of the highlights of the 2026 Eastern Region Pool Rescue Championships, held at Kiwa Pools in Gisborne on 22–23 August.
Among almost 250 athletes from across the Eastern Region was a strong Waihī Beach contingent spanning generations, with parents and siblings taking their turn on the blocks across Junior, Senior and Masters events.
Aron May competed alongside children Elise, from Waihi Beach School, and Bodhi, from Katikati College. Emma Haugh shared the competition with daughter Olivia, from Rototuna Junior High School, while Te Aroha’s Ang Shallue competed alongside daughter Kenzie, from Te Aroha Primary School.
One of WBLGS’ Tauranga families, the Pages, saw mum Rebecca, son Max and daughter Emma, both at Aquinas College, all compete. Whilst Dan Cooper combined coaching duties with supporting his two daughters, Layla and Abigael, who attend Katikati College and Katikati Primary School respectively.
They were all part of a 19 person strong Waihī Beach campaign that saw the club finishing fifth overall from 14 clubs with 241 points and what can only be described as a medal haul.
Across two days, athletes tackled events including obstacle races, brick and mannequin carries, swimming with fins and rope throw, disciplines that combine competition with skills drawn directly from surf lifesaving.
For Waihī Beach, the many medals and personal bests were worth celebrating, but so was having generations of the same families sharing the sport.
Madeleine Schnackenberg, Director of Sport explains, “At Waihī Beach we really value creating pathways that keep people connected to the club for the long term. It’s not just about competing, it’s about giving people opportunities to stay involved as their role in the club evolves whether that’s through sport, as a lifeguard or patrol support.”
And the family competition doesn’t end when pool rescue finishes. Summer takes lifesaving sport back to the beach and into the ocean, where juniors, seniors and masters compete in neighbouring arenas, across surf swims, board and ski races, beach sprints and flags, iron events and team relays.
For families keen to find a sport they can genuinely enjoy together, check out Waihī Beach’s Junior Surf programme for ages 5 to 13 starting November 15th. You can find all the details at https://www.waihibeachlifeguards.co.nz/junior-surf/
