Lifeguard of the Year Award

This award recognises an outstanding lifeguard who contributes to their facility, community and the aquatics industry in Aotearoa.

We are looking for those exceptional people that are much more than just a lifeguard. The one that are role models to staff and fosters great connections with customers. The one that identifies problems and seeks solutions. The one who enhances the aquatic experience for both customers and staff through their enthusiasm, selfless commitment and professionalism. The one that contributes to the development of lifeguarding role and the aquatic industry.

This is an opportunity for you to acknowledge your lifeguard’s mahi and to celebrate this with their industry peers.

The winning lifeguard will:

Receive Waves 2025 registration (including travel and accommodation)
Be presented the award at the Waves awards dinner
Be spotlighted in the Recreation Aotearoa Aquatics newsletter
Receive mentoring from industry peers.

Nominations close Monday 30 June 2025 at 4pm.

Please send all enquiries to Rhiann@nzrecreation.org.nz before this time.

Nominee lifeguard name*

Nominee lifeguard facility*

Role at current facility*

Amount of time per week lifeguarding (average, in hours)*

Length of time at current facility (in years)*

Total length of time as a lifeguard (in years)*

Expiry date of nominees highest lifeguard qualification*

Contact person full name*

Contact person phone number

PrefixPhone Number

Contact person email*

State why you think the nominee should receive the Lifeguard of the Year Award.*

0/400

List industry related qualifications held by nominee*

Applicant video - one-minute-high level overview of the Lifeguard*

Commitment and dedication - Explain how the nominee has shown commitment and dedication to the role of lifeguarding both within their current organisation and previous service. Provide supporting evidence which could include employee awards, news or social media articles, previous awards nominations. *

0/400

Upload any relevant documentation/photo evidence for COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION*

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Customer Service and Communications Explain and give examples of how the nominee has demonstrated exceptional customer service and communication skills. Provide supporting evidence in the form of customer testimonials, qualifications, training courses etc*

0/400

Upload any relevant documentation/photo evidence for CUSTOMER SERVICE AND COMMITMENT*

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Role Modelling and Lifeguarding attributes - Detail how the nominee role models on a daily basis. How do they demonstrate their lifeguarding attributes. This can include supervising and mentoring new staff, developing and delivering training both on the job and at organised sessions. Provide evidence in the form of videoing training sessions, testimonials from other staff. *

0/400

Development of LG role and initiatives - Explain how the nominee has been involved in the development of lifeguarding initiatives and projects. These can be both internal and external. Provide supporting evidence.*

0/400

Upload any relevant documentation for DEVELOPMENT OF LIFEGUARD ROLE AND INITIATIVES*

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Upload any evidence of recognition/testimonials from peers, management and customers. Also any awards won by the nominee such as employee of the month, community service, etc.*

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Upload 3 photos to showcase the nominee Lifeguard (please ensure the pictures are clear)*

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I accept that any photos or videos submitted with my application may be used by Recreation Aotearoa for promotion and future promotion of the Aquatics awards*

I accept

Recreation Aotearoa may hold any photographs submitted with my application for future promotion of their services*

I acceptI decline