Ruakaka Surf Lifesaving Patrol, located on Ruakaka Beach, has proudly been saving lives for 60 years. As an essential volunteer organisation dedicated to water safety, the club is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable beach experience for locals and visitors alike.
The club's main focus is on lifeguarding, and they provide comprehensive training programmes to develop the necessary skills and attributes required for this vital role. Their Surf Lifeguard Award training programme aims to equip candidates with fundamental beach management, rescue, and first aid skills, ensuring they become competent lifeguards able to effectively patrol New Zealand beaches.
Training takes place both in the pool and on Ruakaka Beach, allowing lifeguards to gain practical experience in a real beach environment. Candidates must meet specific requirements, such as being a minimum of 14 years old and having the ability to confidently swim 400m freestyle in under 9 minutes without stopping.
Becoming a lifeguard requires certain equipment, including surf fins and a wetsuit, to ensure the safety and effectiveness of patrols. The Surf Lifeguard Award is assessed through various sections, including a timed pool swim, demonstrations of rescue techniques, completion of a workbook, a theory test, and practical assessments of CPR, first aid, signals, and radio knowledge.
Membership is open to those who successfully complete the Surf Lifeguard Award and wish to join Ruakaka Surf Lifesaving Patrol. To become a member, interested individuals can fill out the online membership application form provided on the club's website.
In addition to lifeguarding, the club places a strong emphasis on Junior Surf, catering to children under the age of 14. The Rookie training programme is available for kids over 12 years old, focusing on developing surf lifesaving skills and promoting water safety. Junior Surf sessions take place every Sunday morning throughout the surf season, with special club days and an End of Year Prizegiving event.
Ruakaka Surf Club is dedicated to creating a family-oriented environment, with many families actively involved in the club's operation. The safety of Junior Surf participants is prioritised, with a minimum ratio of one adult to every five children for water-based activities.
The club also participates in surf sports, providing individuals with the opportunity to develop confidence and compete in surf events. They are part of the Surf Lifesaving Northern Region Junior Surf Programme, which offers further opportunities to connect with other surf clubs for carnivals and regional competitions.
For those interested in keeping up with the latest beach conditions, the club provides a live swell and weather feed through their webcam, updated every 5 minutes during daylight hours. This service is made possible through kind donations from supporters.
Ruakaka Surf Lifesaving Patrol is a dedicated volunteer organisation committed to preserving the safety of beachgoers at Ruakaka Beach. With a strong focus on lifeguarding, Junior Surf, and surf sports, they continue to make a positive impact on their community by promoting water safety and a love for the coastal environment.