Lifeguard team pick up bronze

TOP SKILLS: The team from Ruakaka Surf Lifesaving have had a busy summer and now a team of six from the club have shown their skills are top notch, bringing back bronze from the Northern Regional Patrol Championships. The team Ella Rankin (front, left), Alesha Ahrens, Jared Corston (back, left), Joel Ahrens, Ben McKernan, Craig Platt and Dene Green. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

A busy summer meant lifeguards from Ruakaka Surf Lifesaving were put to the test and it seems it's paid off as the team have brought bronze back to Bream Bay.

The team from the club competed against 17 other teams in the Northern Region Patrol Championships held on Sunday and brought home the bronze medal.

Team member Alesha Ahrens, 15, competed in the championships for the first time and was thrilled with the result.

"Gosh I was so excited. I was hoping to get top three so when we did I was so happy," she said.

The team of six guards - Ben McKernan, acting patrol captain, Craig Platt, Joel Ahrens, Jared Corston, Alesha Ahrens and Ella Rankin - drew on their teamwork, first aid and rescue skills and were then faced with two made-up scenarios.

One scenario involved a flipped inflatable rescue boat (IRB) at sea with three patients, one under the hull, one drowning and another unconscious in the water.

Another made-up scenario required them to attend a car accident where the driver was a 70-year-old in diabetic shock who drove into three victims and caused a broken leg and spinal injuries.

Miss Ahrens said because the team from Ruakaka had been so busy during summer dealing with plenty of incidents the scenarios were made easier.

"When you're in a real life role life saving it makes scenarios easier - it's drilled into you."

Each team were required to include two females, two under 16, one IRB driver and one with at least Level 2 first aid.

Team manager Dene Green said he was proud of the team.

"We are particularly pleased to have achieved bronze medal status in this competition as it specifically assesses the skills and capabilities that are needed to keep people safe on our beaches," Mr Green said.

Gold went to Mairangi Bay and silver went Bethells Beach.