Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi

Thanks to the team at Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopters for dropping in last week for some training with our Counties Energy SAR Squad.

We regularly call upon their services along our coastline, so the opportunity to extend our knowledge and capability around helicopters builds a stronger team.

Summer is on its way and we will be ready!

Are you ready to be a lifeguard this summer with Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi?
Anyone aged 14 years and older can become a lifeguard, and training opportunities start this coming week.

If you’re interested in joining us, fill in the attached link to register your interest and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible with more information.

We’re also keen to hear from past lifeguards who are ready to refresh their skills and join us back on the sand again.

Keen to get involved? Register your interest today.

Surf Lifeguard Volunteer Application Application form for prospective surf lifeguard candidates at Kariaotahi Surf Life Saving Club. 14+ Minimum age on exam date.

Something a bit different to put in the diary.

Kahawai Point are backing our club to be part of the first Kahawai Pt Coastal Classic, on Sunday 4 October at Glenbrook Beach. Our crew will be out marshalling on the day, and we'd love to see plenty of club faces on the course as well.

There are three ways to do it:
5km Community Walk, 10:35 am. Everyone welcome, dogs on lead
5km Kids Run, 10:30 am, under 15s
8km Coastal Classic, 10:00 am
Every single finisher gets the 2026 tee. Food trucks on site afterwards and prizegiving at 12.

$40 adults, $30 under 15s, or $110 for a family of four. Worth knowing the tee alone is a $30 shirt, so the morning itself works out at about ten bucks.

Entries close Sunday 20 September and there are no entries on the day.
kpcoastalclassic.nz

Kariaotahi lifeguards keeping sharp during winter with IRB & RWC training today.

Today is World Drowning Prevention Day 💙🌊

Every life lost to drowning is one too many. Today is a reminder that drowning is preventable, and that education, preparation, and looking out for one another can save lives.

At SLS Kariaotahi, our volunteer lifeguards dedicate countless hours to training, patrolling, responding to emergencies, and educating our community so everyone can enjoy our coastline safely.

As we head into another season, remember these simple but life-saving messages:
🌊Swim at a patrolled beach and between the red and yellow flags.
🌊 Never swim alone – always have someone watching you.
🌊 If in doubt, stay out.
🌊Know your limits and respect the conditions.
🌊In an emergency, call 111 and ask for Police.

To our incredible volunteers, thank you for the commitment, professionalism, and passion you show every day. And to our community, thank you for helping us spread the message that drowning is preventable.

Together, we can make every trip to the beach a safe one.

Lights. Camera. Responding. 📸🚨

A little camera roll dump from the Counties Energy Search & Rescue Squad.

Behind every photo are countless hours of training, teamwork, and a crew that’s always ready to answer the call when it matters most. From training exercises to real-life rescues, we’re proud to serve our community both on and off the beach.

With the new lifeguard season just around the corner, recruitment is coming soon!

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a lifeguard, learning life-saving skills, making lifelong friends, and giving back to your community, we’d love to have you join our team.

Keep an eye on our page for recruitment details over the coming weeks. Your journey could start here. 🌊💛❤️

We are immensely proud to announce that our Search & Rescue Squad has been named Search & Rescue Squad of the Year at the annual Surf Life Saving Northern Region Awards of Excellence.

This award is a reflection of the countless hours our volunteers dedicate to training, responding, and serving our community. Whether it’s day or night, in challenging weather or difficult conditions, our squad consistently demonstrates professionalism, commitment, teamwork, and an unwavering willingness to help others when they’re needed most.

To every member of our Search & Rescue Squad – thank you for your dedication, sacrifice, and passion. You continue to make our club proud and represent the very best of what surf lifesaving stands for.

A huge thank you also goes to the families, supporters, and wider club members who stand behind our team every step of the way. This recognition belongs to all of you.

We also congratulate the following award recipients:

SLSNR Service Award -
Justin Hurst

SLSNR Distinguished Service Award -
Shannon Swann
Guy Hornblow

SLSNR Life Membership -
Bradley Walters

We also had finalists in the following award categories:

Contribution to Junior Surf - Tara Coe & Judith Coe
Duty Officer of the Year - Tara Coe
Contribution to Search & Rescue - Guy Hornblow
Peer Supporter of the Year - Dawn Newson-Adams
Rescue of the Year - Waikato River Bar Incident

🔴🟡 A busy end to May for SLSK lifeguards and the Counties Energy Search & Rescue Squad.
🔴 In the last week lifeguards have responded to 5 incidents including 2 searches and a medical incident.
🟡 The club also proudly received Recognition from SLSNZ with a Rescue of the Month award for April, following a mass rescue carried out by our lifeguards after patrol during Easter Weekend. Read the citation below:

Luckily our lifeguards were on the coast this morning training new IRB drivers, as we were called to provide first aid in two unrelated but near-simultaneous incidents.

First, a fisherman presented ill. Then shortly afterwards, a person sustained injuries from a vehicle incident on the beach.

The fisherman’s condition improved following treatment and he was able to head home after being checked over by St John paramedics, but the second person was transported to hospital by ambulance.

All in a day’s work!