The future of surf lifesaving in the Bay of Plenty appears bright with more than 250 rookie lifeguards on the beaches this summer.
The rookies are 12 and 13 year olds who have come through the Young Nippers Programme and will be continuing their training this summer to become lifeguards.

Papamoa’s young rookies.

Each candidate participates in four voluntary patrols and completes all modules in their candidate workbook including assessments such as Health, Sun Smart & Conservation; Role of a Surf Lifeguard and Patrolling; Practical Surf Skills and Safety Check.
This programme is made possible thanks to Perry Foundation funding to the value of $10,000.
Rookie Lifeguard Instructor Ailsa Cowdrey is back for her second year managing the course for 33 Rookies at Papamoa surf club.
“This programme is particularly effective because of the practical element where the Rookies get to hang out with Lifeguards on patrol and really get to grips with the ins and outs of a typical day on patrol,” says Ailsa.
“For many of the kids it is a dream come true and something they have been looking forward to since they joined as nippers many years ago.”