Surf Lifeguard Award course

New Zealand has over 3000 lifeguards who patrol our beaches and conduct around 15,000 surf rescues every summer. Since 1911, Maranui Surf Life Saving Club has been actively training lifeguards and ensuring the safety of beach-goers by providing surf life saving patrols on Lyall Bay beach and other Wellington City Beaches.

If you're 14 or over, you can train to become an active Surf Lifeguard and join us in our mission to prevent drowning and injury on our beaches. From lifesaving and first aid, to communication and teamwork, lifeguard training equips you with skills that will stand you in good stead for the rest of your life.

How do I become a lifeguard with Maranui SLSC?
To become an active lifeguard you will need to gain your Surf Lifeguard Award, but first you must undergo a trial set out to help you understand what is required of a Maranui surf lifeguard. This trial involves swimming 400m in under nine minutes, towing patients, diving for objects, treading water and a number of other activities designed to assess your abilities in the water.

What happens when I'm accepted onto the Lifeguard Award Course?
You must attend 80% of the Lifeguard Award Course to achieve a pass. The course has both a written and a practical component. You will need to achieve 80% in your written component and pass the practical component with competency to achieve the award.

This course takes place over nine weeks from 6.00pm-7.30pm, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Please contact: lifeguards@maranui.co.nz for more infomation and start times. 

What will I do when I've gained my Lifeguard Award?
Once you have gained your award, you will be inducted into the Maranui Surf Brigade under our Maranui Lifeguard Graduate programme where you will learn Maranui protocols, gain experience and further your skills as an active Lifeguard.

Members of the Maranui Surf Brigade are presented with opportunities to attain higher qualifications and develop leadership skills. The brigade also holds functions and social engagements for members throughout the summer season.

Patrols are just one aspect of surf life saving. You can also use your skills to compete in swim, paddleboards, beach sprints, beach flags, surfboats or canoe competitions. For more about surf sports click here.