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 4326 voluntary hours, we performed 10 rescues, 50 first aids, 6 searches and nearly 4664 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)
https://www.surflifesaving.org.nz/lifesaving/lifeguard-education/surf-lifeguard-award
If you are interested in qualifying as a Lifeguard please complete the MHVLS membership form. Register here and pay the exam fee. You will be contacted by our Chief Instructor regarding training. Exam Fee: $75.00 includes manual, workbook. If this is your first time joining a Surf Club or transferring from another club you will also need to apply for SLSNZ membership or request transfer. Register here.
A lifeguard uniform will be supplied once you have successfully completed your SLGA training.
If you have any questions please contact Mary Farmer 021 08811449 or instructor@mangawhaisurfclub.org.nz
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:
400 metre pool swim in under 9 minutes non stop. ie: 16 laps of a 25 metre pool
Tube rescue (pool)
Releases and Tows
Run/swim/run in the surf
CPR test
50 Theory questions
Practical tests on radio communication and first aid
Bronze training: is held at the Mangawhai St John Ambulance Station, 194 Molesworth Drive, every Sunday from 8 October to 10 December 2023.
Pool Exam: Wednesday, 13 December 2023 in the evening at Mahurangi College pool, Warkworth
Beach Exam: Saturday, 16 December 2023, all day (Location to be confirmed)
Each season active Surf Lifeguards must perform a refresher test. This includes a 400 metre swim, tube rescue, resuscitation test and first aid questions. This is to ensure that their fitness and knowledge is up to the required standard.
FURTHER DEVELOPMENT
Once qualified with your NZ Surf Lifeguard Award you can increase your skills:
First Aid courses
Surf First Aid
First Aid Level 3 (Pre Hospital Emergency Care)
IRB courses & qualifications
BP IRB Crewperson module
Senior Lifeguard Award - IRB Driver
Rescue Water Craft
Marine VHF Radio Operators Certificate
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 Mary Farmer 021 08811449 or email instructor@mangawhaisurfclub.org.nz