Volunteer: Your local surf club needs you!

18 Oct, 2021

The Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service (MHVLS) is opening its 2021 recruitment drive for new members.

"If you’re keen to become a volunteer Surf Lifeguard, we would love to hear from you!" says chief instructor Jess Costello. "Mangawhai Heads has a proud heritage in producing top lifeguards and all round water people. If you want to be part of our waterman and women heritage, sign up now."

To become a lifeguard at Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service you must be a member of Mangawhai Surf Club, be at least 14-years-old and be able to swim 400m freestyle in under nine minutes.

"The club will provide a supportive training programme (which will take place at a local pool, the beach and the clubrooms) to give you the skills you’ll need, to help you achieve your Surf Lifeguard Award,” explains Costello. “In terms of gear, all you need is a wetsuit, togs, goggles and swim fins.”

After you achieve your Surf Lifeguard Award you’ll join a patrol team and will be rostered for duty. Volunteer surf lifeguards patrol on weekends and public holidays during the warmer months of the year.

There’s also a number of additional training and development opportunities that you can access and specialise in, such as advanced surf lifeguarding, search and rescue, first aid, inflatable rescue boats (IRB) to rescue water craft (jet ski) operation, leadership development, and so much more. Surf Life Saving provides a great pathway into many emergency service careers.

Volunteering as a Surf Lifeguard is fun and rewarding. You’ll make a real difference in people’s lives and have a great time along the way. Get in touch and join the team.

n Interested? Click on the following links for more information: mangawhaisurfclub.org.nz/become-a-lifeguard; surflifesaving.org.nz/join-us/become-a-surf-lifeguard; or email admin@mangawhaisurfclub.org.nz

MHVLS chief instructor Jess Costello (front, second from right) says surf lifesaving is fun and rewarding. PHOTO/SUPPLIED