SLSNZ Sport

That’s a wrap on the 2026 Aon New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships.

Three days of racing, world records, NZ records and plenty of standout performances at the Sir Owen G. Glenn National Aquatic Centre.

The final day delivered another world record, with Black Fins athlete Zoe Crawford (Mairangi Bay SLSC) setting a new Open Female 100m Manikin Tow with Fins mark in 53.14 seconds. Zoe finished the championships with four gold, two silver and a bronze, while there were strong performances and new NZ records across the junior, Open and Masters grades.

Pāpāmoa SLSC took out the Top Masters Club title, while Mairangi Bay SLSC secured the Paul Kent Trophy as the top overall club.

But it’s not just about the results. It’s about athletes pushing themselves, clubs coming together and the next generation of lifesavers getting stuck in alongside experienced competitors.

A huge thanks to our Aon officials, volunteers, coaches, event crew and wider team for the time and mahi they put in across the weekend. These events don’t happen without the people behind them.

We’re also grateful to Aon New Zealand, our major partner of Surf Life Saving New Zealand and the Pool Rescue Championships, for the continued support and for being part of the event across the weekend.

We'll see you in 2027!



📸 Tim Marshall

The 2026/27 Southern Region Senior Sport Competition Calendar is now available, with another busy season of Surf Sports ahead.

From local carnivals through to regional and national competitions, there are plenty of opportunities to race, develop your skills and get involved throughout the summer.

Now is the time to check the calendar, save the important dates and start planning your season.

For the latest event details and any calendar changes, visit:
https://www.surflifesaving.org.nz/calendar

The 2026/27 Southern Region Junior Surf Sports Calendar is here!

It’s time to get ready for another awesome summer of Junior Surf Sports, with plenty of opportunities for our young athletes to race, learn, improve and have fun on the beach.

From local carnivals through to major championship events, there’s something for every Junior Surf athlete this season.

Check out the calendar, lock in the key dates and start planning your summer.

For the latest event information and any updates, visit:
https://www.surflifesaving.org.nz/calendar

Five New Zealand Records to kick off the Aon New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships.

Day one delivered plenty of fast racing, big performances and strong club spirit in the pool.

Black Fins Zoe Crawford and Louis Clark both set new records in the 200m Super Lifesaver, while Simiosi Tukia added two more to his season tally.

Midway’s Charlotte Willoughby also broke the U15 New Zealand Record in the 100m Manikin Carry with Fins.

From U11 through to Masters, there was plenty to get excited about - and with the Lifesaving World Championships ahead, it was a strong start for our Black Fins and Junior Black Fins.

Day two starts tomorrow at 8am. 👊



📸 Tim Marshall

Compete clean. Keep sports fair.

When our sport is clean, every athlete has a chance to compete on a level playing field. It keeps things fair and protects the spirit of the sport you love.

As we get ready for the Aon New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships, there are plenty of ways you can help keep our sport clean:

• Learn about the Sports Anti-Doping Rules
• Make safe supplement decisions
• Promote positive sporting values

Discover your role in clean sport at: sportintegrity.nz

Application closing OCTOBER 1 for the SLSNZ Pool Rescue Performance Squad.

Click here to apply now: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019f216fbf137c96afa158884b1e306e

WHAT IS THE PERFORMANCE SQUAD?
The SLSNZ Performance Squad is a pool of athletes from where New Zealand representative teams are generally selected. Selection into the Performance Squad is made according to the relevant Selection Policy.

🚣SURF BOAT SWEEP DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY🚣

SLSNZ in partnership with ASRL is supporting three sweeps and one Kaiarahi (facilitator/sweep developer) to attend the annual ASRL Sweep School.

This is an opportunity for sweeps to improve their Surf Boat sweeping knowledge and skills by learning from and networking with the world’s best. It is also an opportunity for a sweep developer to attend and learn as a facilitator, with a view to support sweeps locally in NZ.

Where: Chiton Rocks SLSC, Adelaide
When: 30 October – 1 November 2026 (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon)
Cost: $500 member contribution covers flights, accommodation, transport, course fees and food (full cost subsidised by SLSNZ)

For more information and to apply - https://slsnz.surveymonkey.com/r/SweepsApp

Applications close Sunday October 4

The Central Region Pool Rescue Championships leaps into action this weekend with 217 members competing from 16 Surf Life Saving Clubs.

Keep up with all of the results live on Swimify Livetiming (au.swimify.com)
https://au.swimify.com/competitions/2026-central-region-pool-rescue-championships-2026-09-19-ms85wpwg/swimmers

Big shout out to all of our officials, watercrew and volunteers making this competition happen this Saturday 🫶

Celebrate the volunteer COACH who makes a difference in your community and give back to them and their club with legendary prizes.

Anyone can nominate a coach who inspires them — whether they’re shaping young players, supporting inclusive teams or going the extra mile for their club. Selected Coaching Legends are celebrated for the difference they make and the values they bring to their communities.

Click the link to read more and nominate you Coach now 🤳❤💛
https://coachinglegends.au1.komo.site/