New Zealand’s top lifeguards enhanced their lifesaving skills at the National Lifeguard School’s intensive training event in Mount Maunganui.

The 19 lifeguards participated in advanced rock rescue training, specialised inflatable rescue boat (IRB) driving skills and the latest critical care first aid techniques.

They used simulated search and rescue scenarios to practise their training and skills in a controlled setting.

Lily Tongue, a candidate from United North Piha, used her skills to save a life at Piha Beach while on duty, just after returning home from school.

Instructor Dan Short was off duty and on the beach relaxing and saw the rescue kick off and jumped into action to support the team.

When he got into the patrol tower, he saw the patient’s head disappear under the water while the team were on their way.

“Lily and her team got there just in time and a person’s life was saved. Had the team gotten to the patient any later, there could have been a very different outcome,” Short said.

National education manager Belinda Slement said most lifeguards would be patrolling beaches in senior roles this summer and would undoubtedly contribute to saving and preserving lives in their communities.

“We know 100% that the skills and techniques the candidates are taught in this training school directly contribute to saving lives around New Zealand,” Selment said.

Mount Maunganui turned on some great weather for the event, with the perfect mix of sunny days and calm waters for the first few days so the candidates could take time to practise their new skills and techniques, Event manager Poppy Crouch said.

“The surf, swell and wind ramped up midway into the school, which provided some extremely challenging conditions that were perfect for practising our advanced rock rescues and IRB driving around rocks in big-swell conditions,” she said.

“The candidates performed extremely well; every attendee learned and refined new skills. They will return these to their home beaches to make a difference this summer.”

Ben Isles, of Sumner SLSC in Christchurch, was the top candidate. Over the weekend he showcased a huge amount of skill and knowledge, earning him the top spot.

Isles said he was stoked to receive the recognition.

“The weekend was epic. I learnt so much and look forward to returning to Sumner and developing my new skills further during training and while on patrol over the summer.”

Head instructor Kate Suter, also from Sumner, said she was proud to see Ben in action.

“I look forward to watching him develop his new skills further on our home beach over the summer and into the future,” she said.

The candidates from the Eastern Region clubs were all supported by the sponsor, Zespri, in attending the school.

The support of sponsors and partners had enabled Surf Life Saving New Zealand to provide training and development opportunities to our lifeguards, the organisation’s national lifesaving manager, Andy Kent, said.

“We are thoroughly grateful for the support from Zespri and the other partners who help our organisation to save and preserve lives,” Kent said.