The rookie lifeguards on inflatable rescue boats (IRBs) and rescue paddleboards at Waipū Cove.
The rookie lifeguards on inflatable rescue boats (IRBs) and rescue paddleboards at Waipū Cove.
Forty-two teens on the path to becoming future lifeguards gathered at Waipū Cove to hone their skills at a Rookie Surf Lifeguard Camp.
The 13 and 14-year-olds hailed from Northland’s six surf life-saving clubs - Waipū Cove, Mangawhai Heads, Ruakākā, Whangārei Heads, Baylys Beach and FarNorth.
They come together under the guidance of senior instructors to carry out training that involved ocean swimming, mock rescues, attempts at using an eight-person paddle board, beach wheelchair use, rock training, an introduction to inflatable rescue boats (IRBs) and more.
Waipū Cove club captain Kath Manning said the rookies also learned a variety of first aid techniques and medical conditions which they had to put in place in some training scenarios. In some cases, they had to use search and rescue skills to find scattered victims experiencing different medical issues.
“[There were] great opportunities for team building, supporting each other, developing new skills and confidence, making friends and connections from other surf life-saving clubs.”
Manning invited anyone interested in getting involved in surf life-saving to contact their local club via its website or social media.
Check out the full photo gallery online at the Northern Advocate website.
All 42 of the teens to attend Waipū Cove's Rookie Surf Lifeguard Camp.
CPR is a key skill lifeguards must learn.
A senior instructor teaches the guards-in-training about tube rescues.
Rookies give Waipū Coves' beach wheelchair a go.
The weather was perfect for the young up-and-coming guards to practice rescues.
More first aid training for the up-and-coming guards.
Forty-two teens from all six of Northland's surf life-saving clubs attended the rookie camp.
An eight-person stand-up paddleboard was part of the fun for the rookie guards.
Rookie lifeguards learn how to help a baby in the event of choking.
The teens practice their water entries in the event of a rescue.
