During the peak summer season, Surf Life Saving Northern Region employs lifeguards to patrol 24 locations Monday to Friday, with some satellite locations patrolled seven days a week. This is known as the Paid Lifeguard Service, which is designed to complement volunteer patrols by providing weekday coverage and service at locations without regular volunteer patrols.
The service operates every weekday, including public holidays such as Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Patrols run from mid-November to mid-March at the busier locations, and from mid-December to February at most others.
Surf Life Saving Northern Region recruits appropriately qualified and experienced lifeguards to fill these positions each season.
Applicants must:
- Possess a high level of fitness
- Demonstrate strong surf lifesaving knowledge and experience
- Work effectively as part of a team
- Remain calm and responsive under pressure
- Commit to fulfilling rostered shifts throughout the patrol period (including Christmas and New Year’s)
2025/26 Applications
Applications are now live! Click here to fill out an application.
You will require:
- Cover Letter
- CV
- A copy of your Drivers License (front & back)
- 2x forms of identification – for Police Vetting
Internationals will also require:
- Evidence of International or other relevant qualifications
- Results of a background check/police vetting from your country of residence.
2025/26 Season dates
Applications open: 30th June
Applications close: 3rd August
Northern Region Trial Dates:
- 4th September – Whangarei & Waikato Pool Trials
- 6th September – Auckland Pool Trial
- 7th September – Piha Trial
Eastern Region Trial Dates:
- 30th August – Coromandel Trial
- 1st September – Western Bay of Plenty Trial
- 3rd September – Gisborne Trial
- 4th September – Eastern Bay of Plenty Trial
Central Region Trial Dates:
- 2nd September – Hawkes Bay Trial
- 6th September – Capital Coast Trial – Porirua
- 8th September – Capital Coast Trial – Kilbirnie
- 10th September – Taranaki Trials
Southern Region Trial Dates:
- 27th August – Otago Trial (Moana Pool)
- 28th August – Christchurch Trial (Taiora QE2)
- 31st August – Christchurch Trial (Jellie Park)
- 31st August – Otago Trial (Moana Pool)
International Applicants
Surf Life Saving Northern Region receive numerous international lifeguard applicants every season, from all over the world seeking work on our amazing coastlines.
We will provide you with the training, knowledge, experience, and expertise in lifeguarding within the Northern Region.
Everything you need to know should be our information booklet here. Should you have any further questions, please contact Samantha Larson (samantha.larson@lifesaving.org.nz)
Position Descriptions
Junior & Intermediate Guards: Click here
Senior Guards: Click here
Patrol Captains: Click here
Vice Patrol Captains: Click here