Sport plays a significant role in Surf Life Saving, from club carnivals, national championships
Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) is a charitable organisation and the governing body for our 74 Surf Life Saving Clubs and over 18,000 members that provide Patrols, Emergency Search & Rescue, Beach Education and Junior Surf Programmes for NZ communities. Sport has a long and proud history within the Surf Life Saving movement and plays a significant role in ensuring that our members have the sk
02/09/2026
3 sleeps until racing starts!
The Northern Region Pool Rescue Championships leaps into action this weekend with 254 members competing from 17 Surf Life Saving Clubs.
Keep up with all of the results live on Swimify Livetiming (au.swimify.com)
https://au.swimify.com/competitions/northern-region-test-events-2026-05-30
Big shout out to all of our officials, watercrew and volunteers making this competition happen this weekend 🫶 See less
30/08/2026
READY 2 RACE
Could your club be one of the first?
SLSNZ is looking for three clubs to take part in the inaugural Ready 2 Race pilot this season.
Designed to bridge the gap between IRB qualification and competition, Ready 2 Race gives new drivers, crew and patients the skills, confidence and race knowledge to take the next step.
EXPERT SUPPORT. IN YOUR CLUB.
Selected clubs will receive direct support and guidance from SLSNZ Hall of Fame inductees Chris Scott and Jaron Mumby, bringing decades of elite IRB racing and coaching experience to your athletes and coaches.
Build confident crews. Develop your coaches. Strengthen your IRB programme.
Whether you're already racing or looking to grow your club's IRB capability, this is your opportunity to be one of the first clubs to experience Ready 2 Race – and help shape its future.
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST OPEN NOW
Only three clubs will be selected.
EOIs close 7 September 2026.
https://slsnz.surveymonkey.com/r/Ready2Race
REGISTER YOUR CLUB'S INTEREST
Introducing Tangaroa Challenge 🌊
Launching this summer at Mount Maunganui, Tangaroa Challenge is a new fast-format representative competition bringing together U17 and Open athletes from across Aotearoa.
For one action-packed morning, athletes who usually race against each other in club colours will join forces to represent their area, taking on the best from around the motu across surf, ski, board, Iron, beach and team events.
📅 Sunday 13 December 2026
📍 Main Beach, Mount Maunganui
Join us at the Mount to see who claims the inaugural Tangaroa Challenge title.
Keen to participate? Athlete and Coach/Team Manager Expressions of Interest are now open. Head to our website for event details, eligibility and EOI information. 👉 https://bit.ly/4chDZI5
21/08/2026
❤💛 IT'S ON !
The Eastern Region Pool Rescue Championships leaps into action this weekend with 252 members competing from 14 Surf Life Saving Clubs.
Keep up with all of the results live on Swimify Livetiming (au.swimify.com)
https://au.swimify.com/competitions/2026-eastern-region-pool-rescue-championships-2026-08-22/events/1/52/heats
Big shout out to all of our officials, watercrew and volunteers making this competition happen this weekend 🫶
10/08/2026
Celebrate the volunteer COACH who makes a difference in your community and give back to them and their club with legendary prizes.
Anyone can nominate a coach who inspires them — whether they’re shaping young players, supporting inclusive teams or going the extra mile for their club. Selected Coaching Legends are celebrated for the difference they make and the values they bring to their communities.
Click the link to read more and nominate you Coach now 🤳❤💛
https://coachinglegends.au1.komo.site/
28/07/2026
SLSNZ is calling for expressions of interest for Officials and other volunteers at our Lifesaving Sports Events.
Click here for full details and Expresions of Interest Survey:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lviowZC3UmexueWQeMTuz2_MzivzA8Ai/view?usp=sharing
The purpose of the survey is to indicate your availability and role preference; any involvement and specific roles will be confirmed after the close of this survey.
Roles Include:
● Marshall/Check Marshal (Liveheats)
● Starter/Check Starter
● Commentators
● Competition Appeals Committee
● Competition Liaison
● Equipment & Logistics Support
● Event Admin (Liveheats)
● Event Lifeguard/Water safety
● First Aid
● Judge/Lane Judge/Video Judge
● Results Recorder (Liveheats)
27/07/2026
Pool Rescue Officials Online Training Session #2 🤳,
After a great session for officials a month ago we would love to offer a follow up session. We would love to see you all online Thursday 30 July, 7.00pm.
Come and learn, share your insights and knowledge and catch up with friends.
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/42637867130552...
Training Overview:
1. How to manage a pool rescue event effectively
2, Pinch points that will save errors
3. Swimify and Referees App
4. Any rule clarifications that have shown up.
Training Facilitators: Johnny Clough, Jo Miller and Mike Lord See less See less
26/07/2026
The Black Fins are off to South Africa 🖤🦈
Our 2026 squad for the Lifesaving World Championships is officially locked in, and this is a stacked one.
12 athletes. 5 days of racing across pool, beach and ocean. One goal: taking on the world's best in Port Elizabeth this December.
"Representing New Zealand as a Black Fin is a huge honour and recognition of years of hard work." - Campaign Lead Steve Kent.
Off the back of a huge domestic season and some serious international form (world records included), this team is walking in with real momentum.
Let's go, Black Fins. 🇳🇿
16/07/2026
NZ Youth Pool Rescue squad begins 2026 Performance Camps in Queensland. 💪🏽
Last week, our U19 Pool Rescue programme arrived in Bundaberg, Queensland, for the start of the 2026 Performance Camps.
The squad includes 25 U18 Pool Rescue athletes, 5 coaches and 2 team managers, joined by 4 Black Fins athletes training alongside the youth group.
The camps form part of our high-performance pathway, building skill and fitness ahead of the competitve season.