KEY POINTS:
Rob Pidgeon is setting his sights high.
The director of the United North Piha Lifeguard Service wants the club to win global recognition for its work at one of New Zealand's most beautiful - and most dangerous - beaches.
"I think we could be the best in Australasia, so why not the best in the world?" he asked.
Members of the club's highly
skilled and dedicated team are on duty between Labour Weekend and Easter.
This season, they have rescued 11 people from potentially fatal situations during almost 2000 hours of patrolling the ferocious surf - all without pay.
But much more goes on behind the scenes - one reason they won the coveted Northern Region Club of the Year award at the latest Surf Lifesaving Awards of Excellence.
"This is the fourth time we have won in the past 10 years and we're the only ones to have done so," said the proud lifeguard.
Each of the 65 volunteers commits to swimming sessions, training exercises and first aid courses before they can qualify to patrol the beach.
Pidgeon, a 22-year-old marketing graduate, followed in his grandfather's footsteps in becoming a lifeguard and has proudly worn his badge since he was 14.
"It's the same with many of our members here. It is a big part of our lives and something we've always known. Most of my childhood was spent here."
A club junior dedicates a Saturday or Sunday each week and while a typical patrol lasts about six hours, many members choose to work longer.
"When they aren't helping someone out with a jellyfish sting or a cut foot, they are putting up danger signs to warn swimmers," said Pidgeon.
"Our depth of lifesaving skills go above and beyond the required level."
Kelly Marsh, 16, qualified two years ago after joining the club's rookie programme when she was 10.
The Year 12 student at Rutherford College in West Auckland teaches swimming after school and has made good friends at the club.
"Knowing that people can have a good time because of us is the best reward," she said. "We've learned about the water so I know I can go to any beach and feel safe.
"The only time I don't like going down there is when it rains. Even if no one is on the beach in bad weather, we're still there."
The club decided to try to further its work by applying to the Cathay Pacific High Flyers 2008 New Zealand Community Awards.
One of six recipients of free international travel, Pidgeon will use his flight to attend the Royal Lifesaving Society Commonwealth Conference in Canada in June.
At the event delegates from around the world will discuss the future of international lifesaving.
"The science of sport is one of the main topics which will provide much value to our club," said Pidgeon.
"It will help shape our future direction and help us achieve our vision in being the best."
For more information about the club, phone (09) 812 8706.
