Now, he has a trophy as reward for his efforts.
McPhee (23), in his final year of studying for a physical education degree at the University Of Otago, won the Les Jordan Memorial Trophy at the Otago surf life-saving awards last weekend.
The trophy recognises an outstanding contribution to the sport.
McPhee is involved with surf life-saving at club, provincial and national levels.
From guarding his home beach, Brighton, to setting up competitions at a national level, McPhee has crammed plenty into his 23 years.
He was taken to the beach by his parents when he was young and has spent long periods there ever since.
"My parents were life members [of the Brighton club] and so I got in to it early and never went away," he said.
McPhee said in summer he probably spent about 30 hours a week at Brighton, either guarding, teaching or helping organise competitions.
It was all unpaid, but he said the fact he did something for nothing never crossed his mind.
"I do it for the love of it. It's a great sport either in competition or as an official."
McPhee said it was a surprise to win the award, and he did not do the job to gain recognition.
As well as lifeguarding and helping with safety at lifeguard competitions, he was a director of Surf Life Saving Otago.
He was also a national senior guard instructor.
In winter, he played rugby for the Dunedin Premier 2 side.
Also at the awards, Warrington lifeguard Pru Casey won the top surf lifeguard award.
Casey has helped rejuvenate the Warrington club, by helping train 24 new lifeguards as well as her patrolling duties.
She was also the principal fundraising officer for her club.
At the district level she is a board director, and is also a representative team selector.
