Kia ora Surf Life Saving whānau,

We hope you’re keeping warm, wherever you are!  It seems winter has arrived early, with the long, hot days of summer now just a distant memory.

However, that doesn’t mean things have quieted down for Surf Life Saving.  The word “inspiring” comes to mind when reflecting on the last month, with surf lifeguards here and around the world achieving some incredible feats.  Whether it’s Chris Lewis, the British man crowned the world’s longest-serving surf lifeguard, or Nelson clubbie Brittany Spencer becoming the first Kiwi to prone paddleboard across the Cook Strait.

If you’re struggling to find motivation in these changing temperatures, take a moment to read their stories below, along with other remarkable achievements, including the Kiwi athletes heading off to the Lifesaving World Championships, and the SLSNZ members nominated for NZSAR awards.  

Happy reading and ka kite anō.

Nelson Surf Lifeguard Makes History

TVNZ’s One News did a fantastic story on Brittany Spencer from Nelson SLSC after she became the first New Zealander to cross the Cook Strait on a prone paddleboard.  It was an incredible feat and not only required plenty of training and planning, but real determination and bravery.  Click here to watch the story.

Whangamatā Surf Lifeguards Involved in Dramatic Rescue

SLSNZ spoke with the Whangamatā SAR Squad about a rescue it was involved with at Whenukura Donut Island.  Surf lifeguards have noticed a spike in incidents at the popular Coromandel Peninsula tourist attraction in recent years.  This time, three waka ama crews found themselves in trouble.  Click here to read the story.

World’s Longest Serving Surf Lifeguard

A surf lifeguard from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution made headlines this month for becoming the world’s longest-serving surf lifeguard.  Chris Lewis is 74 years old and began working at the Dorset resort when he was 16, meaning he has been coming to the aid of beachgoers for 58 Years! An incredible achievement.  Click here to hear more from Chris.

Shortland Street Shares Beach Safety Messages

Earlier this month, New Zealand’s longest running soap opera Shortland Street featured a couple of episodes dealing with beach safety.  They reached out to SLSNZ to see how we could help support them share some key messages to keep beachgoers safe which resulted in a social media video that features some of our very own surf lifeguards.  If you haven’t seen the popular video already, check it out here!

March 2023/2024

SLSNZ would like to recognise Omaha Beach SLSC for the Northern Region March edition of bp Rescue of the Month.  The surf lifeguards involved demonstrated immense bravery and teamwork in what was sadly a tragic incident.  Our thoughts are with the person’s friends and whānau.  Click here to read more.

National Event Dates Locked In

With the past season wrapped up, attention is now turning to 2024/2025, and after careful consideration and planning, SLSNZ is excited to announce the dates and locations for the national events.  Click here for all the information you need and be sure to jot them down in your diary so you can start making plans!

Life Saving World Championship Teams Announced

A big congratulations to all the athletes selected to represent New Zealand at the Life Saving World Championships!  Two teams, the Black Fins and Junior Black Fins, have been announced, along with their support teams.  They’ll be heading to the Gold Coast, Australia for the competition, which will take place from 20 August to 8 September.  Click here to read more.

Interclub Registrations for Lifesaving World Championships

The 2024 Lifesaving World Championships is the world’s biggest international lifesaving sport competition.  This year, up to 7,000 athletes will be competing for the title of ‘World’s Best’ and you could be one of them!  If you want to put your foot on the line in the Interclub competition, the deadline for registration is looming - 5 July 2024.  Click here to register.

Awards of Excellence

It’s that time of year again when Surf Life Saving clubs recognise all of you.  Regional Awards of Excellence are currently underway, with the National Awards of Excellence in September.  We hope you all have a fantastic night celebrating and connecting, and a big congratulations to all the finalists and winners!  Click here for more information.

NZSAR Link Magazine Available Online Now

Link is a quarterly magazine produced by NZSAR for the search and rescue sector, and the April edition features lots of content from the Surf Life Saving community!  From Canterbury surf lifeguards sharing their skills with Police, to the Waikato SAREX and the evolution of SurfCom, there’s plenty to read.  So, if you haven’t already, make sure you check it out here.

Surf Lifeguards Recognised at NZSAR Awards

Later this month, incredible achievements in search and rescue in New Zealand will be recognised at the annual NZASAR Awards.  This year, we're excited to share a number of SLSNZ members will be honoured for their incredible work during the official ceremony at Government House, Wellington, on Tuesday 21 May.  If you want to tune in, the event will be livestreamed on the NZSAR YouTube channel, with the stream open from 5.30pm.  Well done to all the award recipients!

KFC’s Incredible Summer Season Donation 

KFC has been busy raising money for SLSNZ. With a mix of fun initiatives including the Super Smash, Black Clash, bucket donation and Mr. Sanders dinner club, they have all raised an incredible total of $200,000 in donations for SLSNZ over the 2023/2024 season!

Bed Bath & Beyond’s Impressive Summer Towel Sales 

We are stoked to share that the Bed Bath & Beyond towel sales raised $72,657 for the 2023/2024 season. A big thanks goes out to Bed Bath & Beyond for not only donating all the proceeds from the SLSNZ towels but also a percentage of their full summer towel range as well. Look out for the new summer towels later in the year.

Exciting New Sponsor for SLSNZ IRB Team

We are delighted to announce that Sharkskin have officially signed on as a sponsor of the SLSNZ IRB team, providing high quality thermal gear for use on the water. It’s fantastic to have their support with the 2024 World Lifesaving Championships on the horizon, as the team competes against IRB crews from around the world.

Line up of surf life saving teams on a Wellington beach. Photographed by an Evening Post staff photographer in about 1930...

Credit: National Library