New Zealand, California Lifeguard Exchange 2017

Dan Short (United North Piha/Mairangi Bay) and Catie Mulrennan (United North Piha) are surf lifeguards residing on Auckland's east and west coasts. Over the summer both spend most of their weekends volunteering on patrols, training new lifeguards or playing in and on the water. Both have held roles in their club committees and hold a great deal of knowledge around lifesaving services and administration in New Zealand.

This year they have both been named as delegates for the 2017 New Zealand, California Lifeguard Exchange. This exchange has occurred annually since 1969 between Surf Lifesaving Northern Region (SLSNR) and the Californian Surf Lifesaving Association and provides delegates the opportunity to participate in patrolling activities, witness and practice the use of different types of rescue equipment and observe alternative beach management programmes and administrative structures through the different California departments.

This exchange will allow our delegates to share their knowledge with their counterparts in California as well as bring back a new point of view to help shape the structures and services used back home. As part of this exchange both delegates will research new development initiatives with Catie focusing on health and Safety and Dan on membership retention.

They plan to start their six week journey at the end of June and with this small timeframe until departure they need all the help they can get! Any support would be much appreciated and keep an eye out on their Facebook page for further fundraising opportunities.

Bring on Cali!!