LIFEGUARDING IS NOT JUST ABOUT SPEEDOS AND CPR
OUR LOCAL LIFEGUARDS come from all walks of life and apply for a variety of reasons, but a common theme is the desire to connect with people and give back to the community.
Suzanne Watson is Taupō District Council’s lifeguard operations team lead, responsible for Mangakino and Tūrangi lifeguards and the training and recruitment across all three pools in the district.
She says that lifeguards are the unsung heroes of our communities – not just for taking action and saving lives, but for making the facilities a welcoming space for all.
“A lot of people starting as lifeguards want to give back to the community. They want to spend their days working with people, making their time here the best it can be.
“We see all kinds of people come here. All here to swim and be their better selves, whether it’s for therapy or for exercise or both.
“The job is about treating people like they matter. Because they do matter.”
Suzanne says she is still looking for a few new team members across the pools.
“What makes a great lifeguard is that welcoming attitude, bringing a good energy to the space. They acknowledge everyone. Our lifeguards don’t always realise the difference they do make to someone’s day.”