The Ōpōtiki Surf Lifesaving Club Open Day on Sunday will provide information on its many activities and benefits gained through membership.

These include some great additions to a teenager's CV and even the possibility of later paid employment.

There will be a kids’ beach dig at 11.30am and a sausage sizzle.

Club spokesperson Fiona Gault hopes to jog the memories of parents who have been thinking of having their children join up.

“Surf lifesaving is a fantastic option for our youth; so much more than merely turning up to patrol at the beach over the summer months,” she said.

“Becoming a lifeguard offers opportunities to different pathways, throughout the year. Some want to compete in surf sports during the summer, while pool competition during the winter months maintains fitness and the camaraderie of competing alongside peers.”

First aid is always front and centre – one of the first courses the club promotes to young lifeguards, and there is an advanced first aid course on offer for those keen for more.  

“Some of our lifeguards have gone on to study in the health field. Right now, we have Abby Ashford who is studying nursing; Brooke Leeder is studying medicine in Otago and Luke Seufert who has become a qualified paramedic.

“Another course offered in the first year of lifeguarding will see you become a qualified crewperson on an inflatable rescue boat (IRB). Once over the age of 16, this then enables youngsters to train as qualified IRB drivers.

“Lifesaving offers so much in the way of training, many courses leading to leadership roles within the club, and there’s something for everyone.

“I witnessed amazing change and growth in our youth as they progress and challenge themselves with new skills. Qualifications gained here can lead to paid lifeguarding work over the busy summer months.

“Three Ōpōtiki lifeguards have applied to fill the four weeks paid lifeguarding at Waiotahe Beach.”

Gault said, the club was especially looking to bump up the numbers of 10 to 14-year-olds, both at the beach and in the pool.

“Why not come along to our open day on Sunday and see for yourself what we have to offer – it will be a great day out for everyone.”