On a busy summer day at Fitzroy Beach, most people are thinking about the surf, the sun, and time with family. In the background, a team of volunteer lifeguards is watching every wave, ready to act when something goes wrong.
Fitzroy surf club senior team
Recently, Firstgas, part of Clarus was proud to support the Fitzroy Surf Life Saving Club’s senior team as they travelled to Ōhope to compete in the 2026 Surf Life Saving New Zealand Nationals.
For the 25-strong team, aged from 14 to 55, the competition is about much more than results. Every event is designed to mirror real rescue situations, building the fitness, technical skills and split-second decision-making they rely on when lives are on the line.
Fitzroy surf club at the national competition in Ohope
That training has a direct impact back home.
Fitzroy is one of Taranaki’s busiest and most challenging beaches in Taranaki, and the reality is that lifeguards are called into action often. Last season alone, the team carried out 45 rescues, assisted 27 people who were unlikely to reach safety on their own, and took hundreds of preventative actions to keep swimmers out of danger.
Lifeguards on patrol
Behind each of those moments is a volunteer stepping up, trained, prepared and ready.
Supporting the team to attend Nationals helps strengthen that capability. It also supports the wider club, where experienced lifeguards mentor younger members and help build the next generation of people keeping our beaches safe.
At Clarus, we’re proud to back organisations like the Fitzroy Surf Life Saving Club, whose impact is felt every day across our community.
To find out more about our community fund go to - clarus.co.nz/about-us/community
