Ruakaka SLSP lifeguards patrol Ruakaka Beach from 1100 to 1600 hours for the months of October, November, March, April, and from 1100 to 1700 hours for the months of December, January, and February.
As well as providing lifegard patrols at Ruakaka Beach, the club provides safety coverage at various Whangarei water based events, such as the Kids Triathlon, and the Ruakaka raft race
All patrol members are qualified Surf Lifesavers, having passed examinations in rescue and resuscitation techniques.
Ruakaka SLSP runs Surf Lifeguard training for new members. New Lifeguards learn skills in swimming, rescue, surf
and beach knowledge, patrol operations, emergency procedures and first aid.
Becoming a lifeguard
To become a Surf lifeguard you must gain your Surf Lifeguard Award. Surf Life Saving Clubs provide training and examination programs and to gain your award you must be a member of a Club. Once you have your lifeguard award, then you can begin patrols.
To be a qualified Lifeguard you must be 14 years or older and pass your Surf Lifeguard Award exam. The exam comprises of:
400m pool swim in under 9 minutes
Run/swim/run in the surf
Resuscitation Test
Rescue Test
Theory questions
Practical surf knowledge test
Each season active Surf Lifeguards must perform a ‘Refresher’ test. This includes a 400m swim, resuscitation test and first aid questions. It is not designed to fail people; but to ensure their fitness and knowledge is up to the required standard.
If you are interested in becoming a lifeguard please contact our Lifeguard Instructor – Gretchen Gulick 027 3144673