Waihī Beach Lifeguard Club Marks 90 Years of Keeping the Beach Safe

Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services celebrated nine decades of patrols, rescues and surf sport with a full weekend of festivities held from 7 to 9 November. Past and present surf lifeguards came together for decade group photographs, demonstrations of both classic and modern rescue techniques, and a special surfboat rowing tribute honouring the generations of volunteers who have protected the beach.

The event traced the evolution of lifesaving equipment from the old reel and belt through to today's inflatable rescue boats (IRBs) and surfboats, highlighting how much technology has advanced while the core mission — keeping people safe at Waihī Beach — has stayed the same.

A highlight was the surfboat tribute race held in front of the clubhouse, crewed by Rian Butler (stroke), Luke Butler (second stroke), Braydon Burr (second bow), Aidan Butler (bow) and Nick Wagstaff (sweep). Rian and Luke Butler also appeared in the IRB rescue demonstration; both are grandsons of long-serving life member Dennis Butler.

The celebrations also included the unveiling of a memorial stone in the garden beside the clubhouse, attended by Te Whānau a Tauwhao of Otawhiwhi Marae and students from Waihī Beach School.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).