Keen teens bump up lifeguard numbers

WORKING HARD: The latest batch of volunteer lifeguards had a tough examination at Riversdale beach. WTA171213SUPLIFEGUARD01

The Riversdale Surf Lifesaving Club has welcomed 12 new lifeguards, just in time for summer.

In an exam held on Sunday at Riversdale beach, eight teenagers, almost all locals from South Wairarapa to Eketahuna, and one from Wellington, received lifeguard qualifications.

Four others who had been training in Wellington also passed the exam last week.

The teenagers, mostly aged between 14 and 16, underwent stringent training at the Genesis Energy Recreation Centre, in Masterton, twice a week for one school term.

To qualify as lifeguards they had to pass a theory test, swim 400 metres in under nine minutes, and complete a run, swim, run, of 200 metres each.

They also had to perform a sea-tube rescue and learn a first-aid module, and CPR, among other tasks.

The club had 40 members actively patrolling Riversdale beach last year and club captain Mike Taylor said the additional 12 lifeguards would be "very handy".

"Riversdale is known as a surf beach, we have a lot of residents come out and stay there in the holidays and the majority [of them] like to swim.

"It can be a tricky beach with the currents that it has; we do a significant number of rescues every year," Mr Taylor said.

Last year, lifeguards were involved in 25 rescues, he said.

The club was also recently awarded Surf Life Saving New Zealand's rescue of the month, for the off-season, for a rescue done by one of the club's lifeguards which involved a car accident near Riversdale.

"Even when the flags aren't up we're still working."

Mr Taylor warned people to keep safe while swimming at Wairarapa beaches this summer.

"No matter where you are swimming, make sure you have got an adult looking after you and when swimming at a patrolled beach swim between the flags and know your limits."

The Riversdale Surf Lifesaving Club will be on patrol at Riversdale beach every day from December 26 until February 6.

After February 6, they will be on patrol during weekends until the end of March.