Patrol Support members work alongside qualified Surf Lifeguards on patrol, assisting with beach operations, preventative actions, first aid support, and patient care on the beach. While Patrol Support members do not undertake water-based rescue activities, they play an important role in helping patrols operate safely and effectively.
Patrol Support is the perfect way to become part of our patrol team and help keep Pāpāmoa Beach safe throughout summer. Whether you're looking for a shore-based volunteer role or are working towards becoming a fully qualified Surf Lifeguard in the future, Patrol Support provides valuable training and experience while making a real difference on the beach.
Patrol Support members help with a range of tasks, including:
- Setting up and packing down patrols, including IRBs (Inflatable Rescue Boats)
- Actively patrolling between the flags with lifeguards
- Monitoring from the patrol tower
- Roaming the beach outside the patrol area in ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles)
- Assisting with preventative actions and public education
- Providing first aid support as needed
- Assisting with patient care once a person has been brought safely ashore
Patrol Support members are certified to assist with key lifeguarding duties on the beach and are considered an extension to the minimum number of lifeguards required on patrol, as outlined in Surf Life Saving New Zealand's Patrol Operations Manual.
Please note: Patrol Support members do not participate in water-based rescue activities during patrols.
Patrol Support members complete the same training programme as Surf Lifeguard candidates, learning the knowledge and practical skills required to support patrol operations.
The key difference is that Patrol Support candidates do not complete the water-based training modules or assessments. This means they are not required to undertake activities such as surf swimming, patient rescues in the water, or the run-swim-run assessment.
Instead, training focuses on areas such as:
- Beach safety and hazard identification
- Patrol procedures
- First aid and patient care
- Radio communications
- Emergency response
- Supporting lifeguards during incidents
At the end of the course, Patrol Support candidates complete the relevant non-water-based assessment components to gain their Patrol Support qualification.
Training Sessions
Saturday 12 September 2026
Saturday 19 September 2026
Saturday 26 September 2026
9:00am to 4:00pm at the Pāpāmoa Surf Club.
No training on Saturday 3 October due to Pool Rescue Nationals.
Assessment Date
Saturday 10 October 2026
If you'd like to become involved in surf lifesaving, support your community, and help keep our beaches safe without undertaking water-based rescues, Patrol Support is a fantastic place to start.
Ready to sign up? REGISTER NOW!
Pre-requisites:
- Must be 14 years of age
- Must be a current member of a Surf Life Saving club
Delivered by:
- Club instructors
- Examined by local examiners
Candidate requirements:
- Must pass the theoretical component of the Surf Lifeguard Award
Exam Components
- Theory Paper (minimum 80% correct)
- First Aid
- Radio Operations
- CPR
- Signals
Topics Covered
- Health, safety, welfare and risk management
- Roles and responsibilities
- Surf environment
- Communications
- CPR
- First Aid
Outcomes
Upon completion, candidates will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of health, safety, and risk management
- Understand patrol roles and responsibilities
- Describe surf environment features
- Communicate effectively using radios and signals
- Perform CPR and manage first aid situations
Award Details
- Currency: Valid for 12 months
- Leadership: Patrol Support members may hold club leadership roles, but cannot be Patrol Captains
- Refreshers: Current Surf Lifeguards who cannot meet physical refresher requirements may transfer to Patrol Support via SLSNZ
- Reporting: Patrol Support members can be listed on the Patrol Captain’s form, clearly marked as “Patrol Support”
For any questions please email: lifeguards@papamoalifeguards.co.nz
