12 January 2024, Issue 1192
Respect the ocean Meet Flynn Weatherall – he recently became one of the youngest surf life saving club captains in New Zealand, assuming duties at his Omanu Beach club late-2023. “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. In November 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.
“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.” Read his story in full on page 5. Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media.