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Become a lifeguard

Welcome to All Lifeguards
Surf Life Saving New Zealand Mission - To prevent death and injury on New Zealand beaches

Mangawhai Beach is a relatively safe beach however; its popularity still keeps patrolling members busy over the summer period. Last season, we patrolled 2200 voluntary hours, we performed 22 rescues, 36 first aids, 1 search and nearly 2500 preventative actions including at least two boating incidents on the Mangawhai Bar. At its peak there are up to 1200 people on the beach and 200 enjoying the water. These numbers are steadily increasing as the population in Mangawhai grows.

The most actively patrolled area is normally set up at the most popular part of Mangawhai Beach close to the Clubhouse, however the club still monitors its full length, as well as the harbour entrance and waters as far as the eye can see.

Most rescue situations occur as a result of swimmers (of all ages) getting beyond their depth or being carried by strong currents.

By becoming a Surf Lifeguard, you can take the opportunity to train your body, challenge your mind, develop and apply your leadership skills as well as join a fun team of dedicated clubbies on an awesome beach.


Surf Lifeguard Award (Bronze Medallion)

SORRY REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR THIS SEASON. PLEASE EMAIL ADMIN@MANGAWHAISURFCLUB.ORG.NZ IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS

To become a qualified Surf Lifeguard you must gain your Surf Lifeguard Award (Bronze Medallion). You must be 14 years or older and pass your Surf Lifeguard Award exam. Mangawhai Heads VLS and Surf Life Saving Northern Region provide training and examination programmes. The exam comprises:

  • 400m pool swim in under 9 minutes

  • Run/swim/run in the surf

  • Tube rescue test

  • CPR test

  • 50 Theory questions

  • Practical tests on radio communication and first aid

Bronze training: is held at the club every Sunday starting 29 November 2020 and finishing 7 February 2021 from 8.30am - 12.00pm

Pool Exam (Time and date to be confirmed) Tentatively 10 February 2021 in the evening at Mahurangi College

Beach Exam: Sunday, 14 February 2021 from 8.00am to 4.00pm (Location to be confirmed)

Each season active Surf Lifeguards must perform a refresher test. This includes a 400m swim, tube rescue, resuscitation test and first aid questions. This is to ensure that their fitness and knowledge is up to the required standard.

If you are interested in qualifying as a Lifeguard please complete the membership form here and pay the exam fee. You will be contacted by our Chief Instructor regarding training.

Exam Fee $50.00

If you have any questions please contact Jess Costello 021811064 or email jesscostello@gmail.com


Further Development

Once qualified with your NZ Surf Lifeguard Award you can increase your skills: 

First Aid courses

  • First Aid Level 1 

  • First Aid Level 2

  • First Aid Level 3 (Pre Hospital Emergency Care)

IRB courses & qualifications

  • BP IRB Crewperson module

  • Marine VHF Radio Operators Certificate

  • Senior Lifeguard Award - IRB Driver

Further Lifeguard courses & qualifications

  • Board Rescue Module

  • Intermediate Lifeguard Module

  • Intermediate Guard School

  • Youth Development Camp

  • Senior Lifeguard Award - Patrol Captain

  • Advanced Lifeguard Award

  • Instructors Award - Surf Lifeguard

  • Instructors Award - IRB

  • Examiners Award - Surf Lifeguard

  • Examiners Award - IRB

 If you are interested in qualifying as a Lifeguard, or developing your skills further contact Jess Costello 021811064 or email jesscostello@gmail.com