Two Bay of Plenty teenagers are part of a new wave of surf lifesaving talent hitting Eastern Region beaches this summer.

Mitch Cowdrey and Isaac Marshall have been hard at work, harnessing their skills before the Surf Life Saving New Zealand patrol season officially starts this weekend.

The pair have been given an additional boost by Zespri, with the kiwifruit marketing giant coming on board as sponsors for Surf Life Saving New Zealand's Eastern Region, which includes Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne.

Already this year, Zespri has funded education for 180 Eastern Region lifeguards, with 16-year-old Mitch and 17-year-old Isaac joining 43 others on a recent IRB development weekend in Raglan.

'It was good just getting to train in some swell, as over here, we don't get swell nearly as often as the West Coast,” says Mount Maunganui's Isaac.

'To get out in some proper waves and to be challenged was really helpful - it means I'm more practical and I can be useful in way more situations when I'm patrolling this summer.”

Over summer, voluntary weekend patrols will operate at the region's 19 surf clubs. Regional lifeguards will also begin work in December, operating during the week at the 19 clubs, as well as another eight locations such as Cathedral Cove, Hahei, Tay St, Papamoa East and the Ohope campground.

Both Isaac and Mitch will be going into their second year as regional guards, with Mitch on the path blazed by three older brothers, Ross, Scott and Jake. Parents Dave and Ailsa are also lifeguards at the Papamoa club.

'As soon as I became a lifeguard, I was straight into the IRBs, following in my brothers' footsteps,” says Mitch.

'IRBs are such an important part of lifesaving and save more lives than any other piece of rescue equipment, so getting my driver award is a great way to contribute. It's been really good learning the skills to put them into use on the beach.”

As well as the funding for ongoing lifeguard education, Zespri also contributes a donation to the region's clubs of the year, with Whangamata, Mount Maunganui and Waikanae picking up the inaugural awards.