Surf lifesavers adopt the Anzac spirit

Surf Life Saving NZ's 4200 lifeguards - the majority volunteers - saved 2061 people in the year ended June 2005. Picture / Glenn Jeffrey

New Zealand and Australian surf lifesavers are to combine forces to better cope with the demands of protecting the lives of thousands of swimmers every year.

An agreement struck at Wellington at the weekend between the surf lifesaving bodies of the transtasman neighbours will align them to strengthen practices.

"We pretty much supply the same service in a similar environment ... but we have never really worked together on research, training, levels of qualification," said Surf Life Saving NZ chief executive Geoff Barry.

"While we will remain separate organisations, through a one organisation principle we will be able to invest in the best research, training, resources, modern technology ... the outcome for everyone will be better lifeguards."

Mr Barry said a catalyst for the talks, initiated by New Zealand, came from shortcomings in areas common to both parties.

"We both have similar problems. [We] patrol about 75 beaches, whereas there's about 400 to 500 areas where people swim. We both do a really good job where we provide the service, but we need to be more creative about where we don't.

"Surely, together, we can do this more efficiently and better."

About 120 people die by drowning every year in New Zealand, including in open seas, near beaches and in rivers, which claim about 30 per cent of victims.

Surf Life Saving NZ's 4200 lifeguards - the majority of them volunteers - saved 2061 people in the year ended June 2005.

"But there are northern areas and in Bay of Plenty where we supply no service. We may not be able to put lifeguards in all situations, so we look at education tools like signage, limiting access," Mr Barry said.

"Working together in that means the outcome will be less drowning, and that is the target for both of us."

The formal signing of the agreement is scheduled for July in Australia, and Mr Barry said practical co-operation would begin soon after.

The agreement would also outline common standards that would be recognised throughout Australasia. Lifesavers would be able to pursue lifesaving and sport interests on both sides of the Tasman.