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About Event Safety

About SLSNZ Event Safety

Surf Life Saving New Zealand provides high quality Event Water Safety services for public events in, on or near water.

Our service includes:

  • Advice to event organisers
  • Event safety planning
  • Provision of trained lifeguards

SLSNZ Aquatic Safety Management Services Flow Diagram (pdf, 242kb)

Our guiding principle: Recommended Minimum Guidelines For Open Water Swimming Event Safety

We've developed these in response to the increasing popularity of water based events like ocean swimming, triathlons and the growing demand from event organisers/race directors for SLSNZ members to provide lifeguarding services at events.

The guidelines ensure that event participants are safe and event organisers/race directors are confident of using best practice water safety.

Our service: Implementing the Guidelines

Part of the Event Water Safety service we provide includes developing and finalising event safety plans and agreements with event organisers/race directors. Our trained Water Safety Coordinators then work directly with event organiser/race director to ensure the water event safety plan is implemented at the event.

Testimonials

We started using Surf Life Saving NZ for water safety in 2006 and since then they have provided services at 38 of our events. I wouldn't trust our water safety to any other organisation and look forward to many more years working together.

- Scott Rice, Managing Director, Quantum Events Ltd (State Ocean Swim Series)

If you have an enquiry about event safety, complete our enquiry form (docx, 113kb) and email to event.safety@surflifesaving.org.nz.

Information for Event Organisers/Directors

Frequently asked questions

Can I approach the local Surf Life Saving Club?
 Yes, you can approach the local Surf Life Saving Club. They will ask you to complete the enquiry form and email it through to event.safety@surflifesaving.org.nz.

How much will it cost?
 It will depend on the type and scale of the event you are running. Our recommended pricing guidelines factors in the amount of resources we recommend for a safe event.

What if there are no lifeguards in our area?
 Surf Lifeguards may be able to travel to your event; however this will depend on the availability of resources and may occur additonal travel costs.

Event safety documents

Information for Surf Life Saving Club & Members

If your club is approached by an event organiser, a school or any other organisation you should direct them to fill in an enquiry form and send it to event.safety@surflifesaving.org.nz.

Here are some helpful documents which will assist you if your club is contracted to provide event safety services. If you need advice or assistance please contact SLSNZ Event Safety Coordinator event.safety@surflifesaving.org.nz.