Ōpōtiki Surf Life Saving Club’s service to swimmers each summer demands much work behind the scenes.

Over the cold months, active members have been maintaining fitness through pool trainings at Whakatāne Aquatic Centre.

Club spokesperson Mere Edwards said pre-season activity was essential to ensure volunteer lifeguards were swim-fit to patrol at Waiotahe Beach.

Patrols will begin on Sundays in early November, increasing to Saturdays and Sundays over Christmas to mid-January, and finishing in early February.

Fellow lifeguards Nicola Mansel and Steve Williamson have been great mentors in surf lifesaving pool competitions. They train year-round with coach Mason Pickering in Whakatāne.

The family-oriented club welcomes supporters of all ages and abilities, though at the core of the club is a successful junior programme pitched at children aged four-to-13 years of age.

“These youngsters are our future lifeguards. As training will commence in November, I hope Ōpōtiki families with children who are interested will be discussing the possibility of getting involved around the kitchen table,” Edwards said.

Surf lifesaving was famous for helping young people gain life skills, self-discipline, confidence and physical fitness, she said.

“We see it time and again; when youngsters achieve qualifications, or success in competitions, it seems to help them achieve at school and do well in other areas of life.

“My family has certainly benefitted from supporting this.

“My daughter, Brooke Leeder,18, is a professional lifeguard and has been a surf coach, and my partner is a lifeguard. My son, Taj, 13, will work on doing his lifeguard award next year

“Taj actually competed for the first time in pool rescue in Gisborne. He swims at the Whakatāne Swimming Club weekly as well.

"There is a positive vibe that runs through every job at the club, and it's a great place to make friends.”

“There’s incredible goodwill for our club and what it has achieved over the years, and we’re always on the lookout for new members.

“We will be starting lifeguard and patrol support training this month. I’d encourage folk who want to learn more to email us [email protected], or call 0278332418."