Kia ora Surf Life Saving whānau, 

We hope you're keeping well as we near the winter months — it's a great time to reflect, reconnect, and look ahead.

In this month's edition of Member News, you'll hear about our successful bp Leaders for Life participants completing their course, High Performance news, as well as good sorts stories from across the country.  

Happy reading and ka kite anō. 

Congrats to our bp Leaders for Life participants!  

Congratulations to all our incredible bp Leaders for Life participants on the completion of their course this month! 

It was inspiring to hear their stories and see the passion they bring to surf lifesaving. This programme is Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s premier leadership development opportunity — helping shape the future of our movement.  

A massive shoutout to our amazing facilitators and mentors — your guidance, wisdom, and support are what make this programme so special.  

And of course, a huge thank you to bp for their ongoing support and belief in the next generation of surf lifesaving leaders. 

Click here to read more.

Volunteer Stress & Burnout Research 

During the latter half of 2024, Surf Life Saving New Zealand undertook a fully supervised research project into factors related to volunteer stress and burnout in surf lifesaving; this was done in conjunction with the University of Waikato. The goal is to provide recommendations for Surf Life Saving New Zealand, enabling it to remain agile and responsive to change and stay relevant in the future. 

The full findings of the research project can be found here.    

More volunteer research can be found on the SLSNZ website here.

Raglan and Far North surf lifesavers recognised at NZSAR awards

Raglan Surf Life Saving Club took out the top Gold Award for Operational Activity at the NZSAR Awards for the rescue of three people from a boat overturned on the Raglan Bar in December 2024. Far North Surf Rescue was also awarded a Certificate of Achievement-Operational Activity or the rescue of fishermen swept from rocks near Tapotupotu Bay.

Click here to read more.

Expressions of interest open for Surf First Aid Module Assessors 

As part of the SLSNZ First Aid Framework, we require locally based members who are capable of assessing the surf-specific 'Surf First Aid Module'.  

We are calling for expressions of interest from members who have relevant qualifications and experience to be considered for accreditation to assess the Surf First Aid Module.  

This is an opportunity now for anyone who wishes to apply who has not previously.  If you are a current assessor and indicated you want to renew, you do not need to apply again.  

To be suitable to assess the Surf First Aid Module you will need:  

• Experience in First Aid/emergency care and / or Advanced Surf First Aid Award or other qualification such as First Responder, First Aid Instructor, EMT, Paramedic, Nurse etc.  

• Experience and/or qualifications conducting formal assessment.  

Expressions of interest are now live and can be submitted here.

Jim Coe on his community legacy | New Zealand Herald article 

While Coe will likely be remembered by many for his towering presence on the field for Counties and the Māori All Blacks, it is surf lifesaving on the treacherous black sands at Karioitahi beach where his legacy will leave the biggest impact.

On November 1, Surf Lifesaving Karioitahi will finally open their new clubrooms, a project initially launched in 2006. That will mark Coe’s final act with the club with plans to retire the following day after 46 years of service.

For the full article, click here.

Off-duty surf lifeguards respond to incident at Piha 

Two off-duty lifeguards for Piha Surf Life Saving jumped into action to save a swimmer at the Auckland beach last Wednesday.

Click here to read more.

We would like to thank the off-duty surf lifeguards, the SAR team, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew for their swift response and teamwork. Your efforts made a critical difference.

Waikuku SAR squad and public ensure cyclist’s cardiac arrest not fatal 

The Waikuku SAR squad received an incredible email in early April from a very grateful cardiac arrest patient who informed them, thanks to their efforts, he was home with whānau.

Click here to read the full story.

Open-grade success for Waikanae in 90km inflatable rescue boat race | The Gisborne Herald

Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club struck gold in the gruelling Bay of Plenty IRB Long Haul event from Ōhope to Mount Maunganui on Saturday.

Gisborne clubs Waikanae and Wainui took part in the event, which featured inflatable rescue boat crews from across the eastern region.

Click here to read more. 

SLSNZ Announces Black Fins and Junior Black Fins Teams

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) is thrilled to announce the selection of three national teams for the 2025 International Surf Rescue Challenge, taking place on home soil first the first time in eight years.

New Zealand teams will be headed by the open Black Fins team, with the Junior Black Fins and a New Zealand Pathway Team also competing.

Click here to read more. 

High Performance Development & Competition 

Click here to check out what's coming up this year on the SLSNZ High Performance Calendar.

Bed Bath & Beyond donate $82,690 to Surf Life Saving!

We're incredibly grateful to our amazing partner Bed Bath & Beyond for their generous donation of $82,690 this season!

This is an increase on what was raised last season and was only made possible by Bed, Bath & Beyond’s summer fundraising effort where they donate 100% of proceeds from the sale of two specially designed SLSNZ towels and a percentage from their full beach towel range to us. 

A special thank you to Bed, Bath & Beyond, from all of us at SLSNZ. 

In Loving Memory of Jessica Mary Gadsbey

Jessica began her Surf Life Saving journey at Omanu Beach SLSC as a young Junior Surf member in 2003, achieving her Surf Lifeguard Award at 14 years in 2011. 

In 2013 she moved to the Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service and quickly became a competitive force to be reckoned with as well as a valued lifeguard. Jessica found success in the whole range of water and beach events, individually and in teams. A bubbly, vibrant personality, she was always willing to help out/step up where needed both in competition and as a lifeguard.

The Gadsbey family continue to be heavily involved in Surf Life Saving, with dad Anthony (Gads) a key member of the Masters Crew at Omanu SLSC.

Our thoughts and love to Jess's whānau and friends, and her surf family. 

In loving memory of Dennis (Rocky) Hall

Life Member of Midway Surf Life Saving Club and Life Member of Surf Life Saving NZ Rocky Hall passed away peacefully on the 21st April. In true words and echoed by many club members, "Midway has lost a legend". Rocky's strong bond with Midway went further than the club itself, it was his connection and strong bond with the thousands of Midway members and members from other clubs throughout the country that will never be forgotten.

He mentored hundreds of members through their lifeguard award, was the unofficial Midway learn to ski "Head Coach" and he spent hours and hours sitting on the Midway dunes educating our members about Ekman's Drift, but what we'll remember most is Rocky's love of Surf Life Saving and the bond he had with those involved. 

Our thoughts go out to Rocky's whānau, friends, and surf family. 

In Loving Memory of Richard John 'Dick' McAllister 

Dick passed away peacefully at home, on Monday, 21 April 2025, with his family. Dick achieved his Surf Lifeguard Award in 1957 at Castlecliff SLSC. He later became a member of Levin-Waitarere SLSC.

A regular official in the Western Districts and nationally Dick also chaired thw Western District Association for a number of years. 

He was awarded a Western Districts Service Award in 1972, and Life Membership in 1979. Dicks SLSNZ Service Award was awarded in 1981, Distinguished Service Award in 2011 and SLSNZ Life Membership in 2011. He earned his 50 Year Badge in 2007. 

Our thoughts are with Dick's whānau, friends and surf family. 

We would love to hear from you

If you have a story to share, especially any amazing rescue stories, please email us.

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