The red and yellow flags are down for the season, but there is no “off” switch for Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services members.
After another busy summer, the club recently wrapped up a season that brought together patrol service, rescues, lifeguard development and surf sport success.
Across the 2025-2026 surf lifeguard patrol season, Waihī Beach lifeguards recorded nine rescues, 14 assists to safety, 777 preventative actions, more than 26,000 safety interventions, nine searches, 11 major first aid events and 38 minor first aid actions.
Championship wins
At the 2026 Aon New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Championships at Ōhope Beach, Waihī Beach athletes showcased their skills competing against some of the country’s best, the club’s director of sport Maddie Schnackenberg said.
Max Page claimed silver in the under-15 board race, Max Morley achieved two top-10 finishes in the U17 board and ski finals, and Georgia Walter finished seventh overall in the U17 board race. The club also made the final in several team events, including board relay, surf teams, ski relay and taplin relay.
Christiaan Maarhuis finished first overall in his age group; and the masters surf teams won gold, while the double ski combination claimed silver, Schnackenberg said.
“The surf boat crew also added another proud chapter to the season, with the under-23 team bringing home silver in the short course. Three Waihī Beach surf lifeguards also competed at the bp New Zealand IRB Championships 2026 in Gisborne.”
Reflected Commitment
Schnackenberg said the performances reflected the commitment of the club’s athletes throughout the season.
“Our athletes train incredibly hard. Many of them are in the water or on the beach five or more times each week, often in addition to swim sessions.
“To see them step up and perform like this at Nationals is something the whole club is very proud of.”
Community connection remained a strong part of the season, Schnackenberg said.
“Junior surf continued through a summer that tested everyone’s flexibility, with local flooding and slips forcing some creative adjustments. The season included first competitions for many young athletes, support for local carnivals, and four days of outstanding racing at Oceans for the club’s 10-plus junior athletes, again bringing in several Waihī Beach podium finishes.
“For Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services, sport is not separate from lifesaving. It is a pathway for new recruits and keeps current lifeguards fit, sharp and confident in the surf. It builds teamwork, resilience and the ocean awareness needed on patrol. Every training session and race helps strengthen the skills that matter when the club’s lifeguards are called into action.”
Annual awards night
This synergy was reflected at the club’s Annual Awards of Excellence – a night recognising the people behind the patrol hours, rescues, coaching, training, events and quiet work that keep the service running, and acknowledging sporting achievement.
Luke Butler was named Surf Lifeguard of the Year, Andrew Cochrane Volunteer of the Year, Millie Watson received the Taylor Bros Cup for Junior Lifeguard of the Year, Chloe Poulter was recognised as Patrol Captain of the Year, Chiara Woodford was Instructor of the Year, and the Rescue of the Year was awarded to Mitchell Robinson, Max Morley and one Coromandel Club lifeguard.
Christiaan Maarhuis received the President’s Cup and the Butler Family Trophy for effort, attitude and achievement in surf sport and lifeguarding. Photo / Alex Wilkins
Christiaan Maarhuis received the President’s Cup and the Butler Family Trophy for effort, attitude and achievement in surf sport and lifeguarding, Byron McIntyre received the McLaughlin Shield for Under-19 Sports and Lifeguarding Volunteer, and Sharlene Manukau was named Patrol Support Lifeguard of the Year. The Spark Merit Shield - Most Improved Member - Sport and/or Lifeguarding went to a team this year, the “Four Men One Oar” Surf Boat Rowing Crew.
Byron McIntyre was bestowed the McLaughlin Shield for U19 Sports and Lifeguarding Volunteer. Photo / Alex Wilkins
The awards also recognised the club’s rookies, officials, IRB crew and drivers, and the many members whose contributions strengthen Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services season after season.
Millie Watson is Waihī Beach’s 2025-2026 Junior Lifeguard of the Year. Photo / Alex Wilkins
Pool rescue champs
While the summer patrol season had ended, the club was now focused on Pool Rescue Championships training, Schnackenberg said.
“The championships take surf lifesaving into the pool and focusing on the speed, precision and technical skills that support real rescues. It is also a chance for members to stay race-fit, build confidence with rescue equipment and keep connected with their club mates until the flags go back up.”
The club encourages anyone curious about surf lifesaving to check out its social media channels at: https://www.facebook.com/WaihiBeachSurfClub or: https://www.instagram.com/wb_slsc
“It’s a great way to have fun, learn something new and perhaps start a journey towards becoming a surf lifeguard. For former surf lifeguards, it may also be the right time to reconnect, revisit those beach memories and put your fins back in the ocean next season.”