Become a Lifeguard / Patrol Support


Have fun. Make friends. Learn skills. Build confidence. Make a difference.

From age 14, there’s a place for you in our patrol team at Waihī Beach as a qualified Surf Lifeguard or in Patrol Support.

Surf Lifeguards take on water rescue and beach safety roles, while Patrol Support members are an equally valued part of the team, helping patrols keep our beach safe without needing to complete the swimming and rescue components of the Surf Lifeguard Award.

You don’t need to have come through Junior Surf and there’s no upper age limit. Bring a willingness to learn, get involved and be part of the team.

How do I become a lifeguard?

14+ ? Train as a Surf Lifeguard or Patrol Support

Join our training programme and work towards your SLSNZ Surf Lifeguard or Patrol Support Award.

You’ll learn:

  • surf awareness and rescue skills
  • first aid and resuscitation
  • teamwork and communication
  • how to patrol and keep people safe

Surf Lifeguards will also work towards the required fitness and practical assessments.

Registrations are now open for the 2026/27 season.
Training Programme for 12 Dec Exam:
Mon 30 Nov to Fri 4 Dec/Mon 7 to Thu 10 Dec - all sessions 5.30-7.30 | Fri 11 Dec - all day

Venue - at Club (except for first Mon and last Fri at Katikati Pool)

January Exam.

Training Programme for 16 Jan Exam: register your interest

 

12-13 Become a Rookie Lifeguard.

Rookie Lifeguarding gives you a taste of patrols, rescue skills and what being a lifeguard is all about.

Next training dates: 

Coming soon

Once qualified, join our volunteer patrols and put your skills into action. You’ll keep learning on the beach alongside experienced lifeguards.

 

Where could surf lifesaving take you?

Qualifying as a lifeguard is just the beginning.

 

CRITERIA

  • Minimum Age: 14
  • Member of a Waihi Beach Lifeguard Services Inc
  • Pass the SLSNZ Surf Lifeguard Award Examination: the exam comprises: 400m pool swim in under 8 minutes, run/swim/run in the surf, resuscitation test, rescue test theory questions, practical surf knowledge test.
  • Patrol Support is as above without the run and swim
Each season active lifeguards must perform a refresher test. This includes a swim, resuscitation test and first aid questions. It is not designed to fail people but to ensure their fitness and knowledge is up to the required standard.

Patrol Support Award

Surf Lifeguard Award

No. You can join us and begin lifeguard training from age 14 without previous Junior Surf experience. Or if you are 12 or 13 join our rookie programme.
To be a Surf Lifeguard you need to be able to work towards the Surf Lifeguard Award fitness requirements, including swimming 400m in a pool in under 8 minutes. We can help you understand what’s required and how to prepare. To become Patrol Support you are only required to pass the theoretical components.
Fun, action-packed training weekends at Waihī Beach will get you ready for your Surf Lifeguard Award/Patrol Support. You’ll be in and out of the water, learning rescue skills, first aid, beach knowledge and working together as a team. It’s hands-on, supportive and a great chance to build confidence, make friends and put your new skills into action, all while preparing for the final exam. The training is adapted for the Patrol Support role but just as hands on and exciting!
You join a volunteer patrol and start building experience. From there, opportunities include First Aid Level 1, First Aid Level 2, IRB Crewpersons Module, IRB Drivers Award, Marine VHF Operators, Board Rescue Module, Rock Rescue Module, Patrol Captain Award, Instructors - lifeguarding / IRB, Examiners - lifeguarding / IRB.
Our volunteer patrol season runs from Labour Weekend to Easter Monday. You can fit patrols around your other commitments, although we encourage active lifeguards to contribute at least 30 patrol hours each season.
Yes. Experienced qualified lifeguards can apply for seasonal paid Regional Lifeguard roles with SLSNZ. Lifeguarding also builds skills and qualifications valued well beyond the beach.
Get in touch. You don't have to know how it all works before you start — that's what we're here for info@waihibeachlifeguards.co.nz