This programme is aimed at 12-13 year olds who aspire to become surf lifeguards.
Course Overview
Our Rookie Junior Lifeguard Programme provides the vital bridge between Junior Surf Sunday sessions and Lifeguarding. It is an educational programme that introduces children aged 12-13 yrs to a higher level of lifeguarding skills such as first aid, CPR, communication (radio and other) and patrolling requirements. Ultimately, growing them into our lifeguards of the future, ensuring as a club we can continue to meet the demands of our core business in the community. The Rookie Lifeguard Program aims to promote "practical lifeguarding" to the younger members and develop strong ties between senior and junior members as a result of involvement.
Although there is a Rookies Challenge at the end of the season (for Eastern Regional Clubs), the programme is not competitive and previous participation in Junior Surf activities is not required.
Pre-requisites:
- Turning 13 in 2024 (i.e. born in 2011)
- Be able to swim 200m in a pool in under 4mins 30secs followed by 1 minute of treading water unaided (or committed to reaching this goal during the season)*
- Committed to completing all Rookie Surf Lifeguard log book modules during the season
- Belong to Whakatane Surf Life Saving Club
- Be able to participate in four weekend patrols to accumulate at least 12 hours of lifeguarding experience
* Water activities will be restricted until 200m swim goal is achieved.
Time: Sunday Mornings 9.45am-10.45 am (at the same time as our Sunday sessions)
Location: Whakatane Surf Life Saving Club- Ohope Beach
Equipment: each Rookie will need to bring surf fins and a high vis safety vest for water-based activities, and a wetsuit is recommended for cooler days.
Uniform: Rookie uniforms are provided and need to be returned at the end of the season
Topics Covered
- Health, sun smart & conservation
- Surf & swimming skills
- Role of a surf lifeguard and patrolling
- Signals, flags & radio operations
- Rescue, releases & tube rescue
- First aid & emergency care
- Primary survey & CPR
- Practical surf skills
- Patrol equipment & clubhouse
- Surf Life Saving Club structure and culture
Outcomes
At the completion of the qualification candidates will be able to:
- Identify the role of a Surf Lifeguard
- Demonstrate a range of Surf Lifeguard skills
Online Resources
Online Download: 2020-21 Rookie Coordinators Manual
Online Download: 2020-21 Rookie Lifeguard Workbook
For more details Contact:
whakatane@surf.org.nz
