Become a surf Lifeguard - Training Starts November 2026!
Ready for a new challenge? Keen to learn some practical lifesaving skills, meet great people and make a real difference in your community?
Nelson Surf Life Saving Club is welcoming new trainees for our 2026/27 Surf Lifeguard Training Course!
Whether you’re a teenager looking for a new adventure, or an adult wanting to give something back, we’d love to have you join us. No previous lifesaving experience is necessary.
Come and meet us at Club Open Day — Sunday 1 November Tāhunanui Beach Base. Surf Lifeguard information session starts at 11 am.
Come along, meet our lifeguards, ask questions and find out what’s involved.
Training Schedule Dates:
Thursday 5 November, 6–7 pm — Riverside Pool: swimming, rescue tows and releases. Bring your togs!
Sunday 22 November, 9 am–4 pm — Tāhunanui Beach Base: first aid training.
Sunday 29 November, 9 am–4 pm — Tāhunanui Beach Base: communications, radio and lifeguard skills.
Thursday 3 December, from 5 pm — Tāhunanui Beach Base: final training and workbook sign-off. *
Saturday 5 or Sunday 6 December — Surf Lifeguard Exam. Date, time and venue to be confirmed.
Sunday sessions may finish earlier where possible.
What do I need?
To gain your Surf Lifeguard Award, you must be at least 14 years old, be a current club member, complete a 400 m freestyle swim in under 9 minutes and successfully pass the practical and theory assessments.
Not quite at the swimming standard? No problem! You can still get involved! Join us as a Patrol Support trainee and complete the non-water-based components of your lifeguard training and assessments, including first aid, communications and lifesaving knowledge, while you work on building your swimming fitness and confidence.
We’ll also be running a second training course later in the season, giving you extra time to prepare for the swimming requirements and work towards becoming a fully qualified Surf Lifeguard.
Don’t let the swim put you off — come along, give it a go. There’s a place for everyone on our team!
Ready to join?
Register and pay your 2026/27 membership fee ($35) by clicking the button below:
(Please register before the first training session).
Training manuals and workbooks will be distributed to registered trainees on Thursday 5 November.
We will use a trainee WhatsApp group for course communication.
Want to know more about becoming a Surf Lifeguard?
Check out the resources on the Surf Lifesaving NZ website:
https://www.surflifesaving.org.nz/join-us/become-a-surf-lifeguard
Questions?
Contact: Mary Seelen (Training Officer)
Phone: 027 5486 894
Email: training@nelsonslsc.org.nz
We’d love to see you at the beach!
