Lifeguarding

Our most important role is providing a safe environment. Just last summer we patrolled for 1,411 hours!

We do this by providing an effective and efficient lifeguarding patrol service to the public to protect and preserve human life at the beach.

Please see the link to the National Beach and Coastal Safety Report recently published. This report provides an excellent insight into drowning fatalities and activities undertaken by the Surf Lifesaving membership across New Zealand.

We’re always looking for current and new lifeguards to volunteer their time.

Surf Lifeguard Award

Surf Lifeguard Award This is the first step on the Surf Life Saving New Zealand lifeguard pathway. Our club can help you earn this qualification and other patrol support qualifications.

If you are over 14 and can swim, then we can train you up to gain your Surf Lifeguard Award (or Bronze Medallion as it used to be called).  We run a number of trainings or refresher courses throughout summer depending on demand. Full training takes about 26 hours and covers modules in surf skills, basic first aid, rescue techniques and risk management. Some skills are taught theoretically however most are taught in a practical environment.

Once your training is complete you will be examined on the following:

• 400m timed pool swim to be completed in under nine minutes
• run-swim-run in the surf
• tube rescue in the pool and surf
• first aid and CPR
• communication signals
• theory questions
• rescue tows and releases.

Please note: refresher training is much shorter and you do not have to re-sit the exam.  The theory is done online and practical modules through the club prior to or during the opening season. 

Patrol Support 

Patrol Support The Patrol Support certifies that the holder has the basic skills and knowledge to be a Patrol Support Member. Patrol Support is considered to be an extension to the minimum number of lifeguards required on patrol, as stated in the Patrol Operations Manual.  Patrol Support Members do not take part in any water based activities on patrol.  

IRB Crew Persons

IRB Crew Persons  The IRB Crewpersons Module (IRBCM) is the starting point for education in the IRB. The IRBCM gives Surf Lifeguards the knowledge and skills required to respond as a crewperson in rescue situations utilising an IRB.

The IRBCM is a prerequisite for the Senior Lifeguard Award - IRB Driver.

IRB Driver

IRB Driver  The Senior Lifeguard Award - IRB Driver (SLA-IRBD) is designed to create competent IRB drivers. The qualification has a number of theoretical and practical components such driving in the surf, solo driving and maritime regulations to prepare Surf Lifeguards for IRB use. It is compulsory for members to have the SLA-IRBD to drive an IRB. The SLA-IRBD gives Surf Lifeguards the knowledge and skill required to respond in rescue situations utilising an IRB. The SLA-IRBD is a pre requisite for the National Lifeguard School.

To find out more information on up and coming courses check out  Lifeguard Courses.  To  register for any training programmes, please contact lifeguarding@midwayslsc.co.nz

Rookie Lifeguard Programme

This programme is for 12 to 13-year-olds and has been designed to help junior surf members prepare to be a surf lifeguard. The Rookie Lifeguard Programme aims to promote practical lifeguarding to the younger members and develop strong ties between senior and junior members as a result of involvement.

Once qualified rookie lifeguards will be able to identify the role of a surf lifeguard and demonstrate a range of surf lifeguard skills.

For more information about our Rookie Lifeguard Progamme contact lifeguarding@midwayslsc.co.nz