St Clair Surf Life Saving Club lifeguard co-ordinator Charlotte Underwood-Nicol and club member kaihautū Māori (leader) Brent Matehaere have been selected to attend the National Lifeguard School, where they are aiming to get New Zealand’s highest surf lifeguard qualification.
The pair will travel to Mount Maunganui today where they will spend the next four days at the school training towards the advanced lifeguard award.
"It’s going to be pretty full on, lots of learning and getting to know lots of new people and lifeguards across the country which will be good," Ms Underwood-Nicol said.
An advanced lifeguard award is given to lifeguards who demonstrate highly competent skills in all aspects of lifeguarding.
Ms Underwood-Nicol, 21, has been a Surf Lifesaving New Zealand member since the age of 10 and became a surf lifeguard at 14.
"I can’t wait to take the opportunity with two hands.
"People in your club may look up to you because you have been away and chosen for the opportunity, so they might value your opinion a little bit more," she said.
She was ready to gain "a lot more in the lifeguarding space".
"I think I’m up for it.
"Little bit nervous because we don’t get told exactly what we’re doing."
To be accepted for the school, all attendees had to meet some prerequisites, including swimming 800m in less than 14 minutes and running 3km in under 20 minutes.
Mr Matehaere said his mind would be up for the challenge, but he hoped his body would hold together.
"The 800m swim was the easier part for me, but it seems that’s the most difficult part for people.
"The 3km run was a real challenge with basically one knee that works.
"It’s certainly an awesome physical challenge."
He expected to be challenged with real-life situations, whether that was a rock rescue or mass rescue, he said.
He had been a Surf Lifesaving New Zealand member for more than 25 years.
"I see it as an opportunity to test myself physically and also test my skills in that environment."
Eighteen other lifeguards from throughout the country have been selected to attend.
