Tauranga’s Flynn Weatherall has just become one of the youngest club captains in the country, assuming duties at his Omanu club last month after the position was unfilled in recent seasons.

“I was already doing quite a bit of stuff at the club around lifeguarding and IRBs [Inflatable Rescue Boats] and this was a good way to make it an official position,” says the 17-year-old.

“We’ve got a number of lifeguards at Omanu who are vastly more experienced and wiser than me –but what I can bring is a lot of enthusiasm and passion. I put my hand up for club captain and I’m really looking forward to the challenge.” 

Not afraid

Flynn admits he was scared of the ocean until he was around 12 years old and laughs he ‘was a bit chunky’ as a kid, but he’s making up for lost time now he’s qualified as a lifeguard.

At 17 he’s already got his IRB crew person and driver award, his patrol captain and marine radio qualification – the highest first aid qualification available – and has completed intermediate lifeguard school. 

He’s now looking forward to turning 18 in April so he can attend National Lifeguard School and get his Advanced Lifeguard Award.

Flynn has also been a member of Surf Lifesaving New Zealand’s national event safety squad for two years, where he credits a number of older teammates as big influences and ‘older siblings’ for him, teaching him huge amounts of practical lifeguarding techniques.

But his main influences are his dad Mark – who was recently awarded life membership of Surf Lifesaving New Zealand – and grandfather Colin, and he’s hoping to emulate their incredible service to the movement over the years.

Last month Flynn began his second season as a professional lifeguard, working on beaches throughout Bay of Plenty during the week, while volunteering for his club on weekends.

Summer predictions

“It’s shaping up as quite a big season, with the potential to do quite a few rescues. A lot of people felt short-changed after last summer and all the rain, and the predictions for this summer are that El Nino is going to bring a lot more sunny, hot weather.

“What we’re asking is that people respect the ocean and do a few easy, simple things to keep safe, like swimming between the flags, not swimming alone and knowing your limits.”

El Nino summers can also mean cooler waters at the start of summer, with all the offshore winds, and sometimes the water doesn’t warm up properly until late-January.

“That’s something else to be wary of – a lot of people want to cool off on these hot days but the colder water can also sap energy a lot faster,” says Flynn.

“Above all, we just want people to enjoy the beach.  As lifeguards, it’s our favourite place too but we want everyone to get home safe.

“Don't forget, if you see someone in trouble, ring 111 and ask for Police – they will then alert the closest surf lifesaving rescue base.”