General surgery trainee

Why did you become a lifeguard?

I started Nippers at 7 and have been lifeguarding since I was 14, with a few years off for medical school and work in different hospitals around the country.

I love the beach and the outdoors so it was a great weekend activity. I went on to become a lifeguard as a natural progression. I really enjoyed the social side of it, meeting other people my age, and subsequently the competitions and the Huntington Exchange [Kiwi lifeguards travel to the US while Huntington Beach Junior Guards travel to New Zealand]. Piha became a very special place for me. Now that I’m older I can appreciate the idea of community service and giving back, but there’s also a huge element of fun there.

What is your most memorable rescue or lifeguarding experience?

I remember crewing the IRB for a multi-person rescue when I was in my early teens and quite junior. Two surfers and a swimmer got swept out in a rip around the front of Lion Rock. We had been doing driving practice on the boats and then suddenly we had to whip around and perform a rescue. It was out of my comfort zone and I had trouble grabbing them and getting them into the boat because I was little, but we got all three of them safe and sound on to the beach. It was a great experience and taught me how rapidly a situation can change in the water. What do you love about lifeguarding?

I love the community that exists within our surf club and between all lifeguards in the wider setting. The most special thing for me is having an ongoing connection with people at Piha for several decades, and the lifelong friendships. Even when I’ve taken time out to go away or move cities, whenever I get back I am welcomed with open arms.

There are people in the club who have been there since I was 7, teaching me to swim and taking me through the Keyhole and they all feel like my dads and mums. Now I’m a bit older and help with junior guards it feels like I’ve come full circle. It’s amazing how we are all from different backgrounds and walks of life, but lifeguarding brings us together as a team and a family.