Become a lifeguard

Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifesaving Service (MHVLS) welcomes anyone aged 14 years and over to train as a qualified Surf Lifeguard or Patrol Support

To become a lifeguard or patrol support, you’ll need to complete your Surf Lifeguard Award (Bronze Medallion). 

https://www.surflifesaving.org.nz/lifesaving/lifeguard-education/surf-lifeguard-award

What the exam involves

To achieve your qualification, you’ll complete a range of practical and theory assessments:

• 400m pool swim (under 9 minutes, non-stop — 16 laps of a 25m pool)
• Tube rescue (pool-based)
• Releases and tows
• Run–swim–run (in the surf)
• CPR assessment
• 50-question theory exam
• Practical tests in radio communication and first aid

*Patrol Support are not required to complete the water based activities.

Staying qualified

Each season, active Surf Lifeguards must complete a refresher test to maintain their qualification. This ensures all lifeguards meet the required fitness and knowledge standards.

The SLA Refresher is made up of two parts:

• Online Refresher: Theory Test – 20 questions, in a 60-minute timeframe, with 80% pass rate.
• Practical Refresher: Components include: 200m Run-Swim-Run using rescue fins  OR 400m Pool Swim in under 9 minutes
• Tube RescueRecovery Position demonstration
• CPR Demonstration. 
• Tube rescue
• Resuscitation (CPR) assessment

The Patrol Support Refresher is made up of two parts:

• Online Refresher:  Theory Test – 20 questions, in 60-minute timeframe, with 80% pass rate
• Practical Refresher: CPR Demonstration. 

If you are interested in qualifying as a Lifeguard or have any questions please email: admin@mangawhaisurfclub.org.nz

2026_27: Training dates (all to be confirmed)

Training is a mixture of theory (classroom based) and practical (pool, ocean and beach)

• Theory - Training will be held at Waipu SLSC on Thursday's from 6.00pm to 8.00pm starting Thursday, 24 September. Trainings on 1 October & 12 November will be held at MHVLS.                                              You will be expected to attended all sessions.
• Pool Exam - This session is being held on Thursday, 26 November from 6.30pm to 8.00pm @ at the Whangarei Aquatic Centre.
• Swim Practise - Thursday, 8 & 27 October from 6.30pm - 8.00pm at  the Whangarei Aquatic Centre.
• Surf Lifeguard Award Exam - The written part of the exam will be held Waipu SLSC on Friday, 26 November 2026 from 6.00pm - 8.00pm with the remaining exam component being completed on Saturday, 27 November from 8.00am - 2.00pm
• Lifeguard uniform: This will be supplied once you have successfully completed your SLGA training.

FURTHER DEVELOPMENT

Once qualified with your NZ Surf Lifeguard Award you can increase your skills: 

First Aid courses

• Surf First Aid

• Advanced First Aid

• Pain Management Module

• First Aid Level 3 (Pre Hospital Emergency Care)

IRB courses & qualifications

• IRB Crewperson module

• Senior Lifeguard Award - IRB Driver

• Rescue Water Craft

• Marine VHF Radio Operators Certificate

Further Lifeguard courses & qualifications

• Board Rescue Module

• Intermediate Lifeguard Module

• Intermediate Guard School

• Youth Development Camp

• BP Leaders for Life

• Senior Lifeguard Award - Patrol Captain

• Advanced Lifeguard Award

• Instructors Award - Surf Lifeguard

• Instructors Award - IRB

• Examiners Award - Surf Lifeguard

• Examiners Award - IRB