Become a lifeguard

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

To become a lifeguard, you’ll need to complete your Surf Lifeguard Award (Bronze Medallion). Training and examination programmes are delivered in partnership with Surf Life Saving Northern Region.

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

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 refresher includes:

• 400m swim
• Tube rescue
• Resuscitation (CPR) assessment
• First aid questions

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

2026_27 Dates and timings: 

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

• Theory - Training will be held at Waipu SLSC every Thursday from 6.00pm to 8.00pm and will run for 8 weeks starting Monday, 24 September. You will be expected to attended all sessions.
• Pool Exam - This session is being held at the Whangarei Aquatic Centre on ? @ ?
• Swim Practise - Waipu SLSC will be taking a van on Tuesdays to the Whangarei aquatic centre if anyone wants some extra training.
• Surf Lifeguard Award Exam - The theory part of the exam will be held Waipu SLSC on Saturday, 28 November 2026.
• 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