Waihī Beach Lifeguards Gear Up for 90th Anniversary Weekend

Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services Inc is marking nine decades of keeping beachgoers safe with a packed three-day celebration from 7–9 November at its Beach Rd clubhouse. The service traces its roots to informal patrols in the 1920s, before the Waihī Surf and Lifesaving Club was formally established in 1935.

The weekend kicks off on the Friday evening with a mix-and-mingle at the clubhouse. Saturday features a special tribute to the surf boat — one of the club's earliest pieces of rescue equipment — and that evening a dinner will bring past and present members together to share stories and honour volunteers. On Sunday a pōwhiri-style paddle-out will pay tribute to members and friends who have passed, with as many craft as possible on the water including rescue boards, surf skis, kneeboards and the historic surf boat.

A highlight of Sunday is the unveiling and blessing by local iwi of a large wave-shaped stone carved by Hinuera Stone, placed in the garden beside the clubhouse. The carving acknowledges everyone who has contributed to saving lives at Waihī Beach — lifeguards and other volunteers alike. Rescue demonstrations spanning the decades will also be staged, from the old reel-and-belt method through to modern techniques.

Anyone with a connection to the club is welcome to register for the weekend's events. Full programme details and ticket registration are available at the club's website.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).