So you want to become a Surf Life Guard!
Interested in being a lifeguard at Bethells Beach, then read on, or alternatively come out to the patrol tower on weekends from Labour weekend to Easter.
Volunteer Lifeguards patrol from October to April each year and you would be placed in a patrol that is rostered on every 4 weeks (one of 5 Patrols). Each patrol has around 15 to 25 Lifeguards so there is plenty of experienced help at hand.
In order to be able to wear a uniform, patrol, compete and gain other qualifications you need to gain a Bronze Award. This consists of:
Swimming 400m in less than 9 minutes in a pool, perform a tube rescue both in the pool and the surf, survive a 200m run, 200m swim, 200m run at a West Coast beach, being able to demonstrate competence in CPR, First Aid, using a Surf radio and signal flags. As well as correctly tying a bowline and reef knot, performing an IRB rescue and answering 32 out of 40 theory questions in a written test, (must be over 14 on the date of the test).
This may sound like a mission but we have a structured
training programme in place to make it as easy and as enjoyable as possible for you to become a lifeguard:
- Free swim training sessions every Monday at the West Wave Aquatic Centre from 6:00pm till 7:00pm in lanes 1, 2 and 3 by the big screen.
- A series of workshops which when combined with the manual covers all the material needed to pass the theory test.
- A weekend training camp for 15 to 20 candidates is held usually in early December, designed to teach you the practical side of lifesaving.
This programme has been designed so that anyone who is dedicated, committed and enthusiastic will be able to pass the exam and be wearing a red and yellow uniform.
Still interested? Phone Dave Comp on (09)832 4672 or 0276 645044. or email: info@bethellsbeach.org.nz