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Seal Beach lifeguard Samantha Hall reports on New Zealand exchange; emphasizes surf-club community and rescue techniques
Summary
Samantha Hall, a Seal Beach lifeguard selected for the California–New Zealand lifeguard exchange, presented photos and described differences in equipment, staffing and surf conditions after a multi-week deployment.
Samantha Hall, a Seal Beach lifeguard who participated in the California Lifeguard Association’s New Zealand exchange, presented her trip to the City Council on March 24 and described operational differences she observed between the two countries.
Hall said the exchange rotates California lifeguards to New Zealand and vice versa for six weeks. She described New Zealand’s heavier surf, greater reliance on inflatable rescue boats (IRBs) and a flag system that concentrates swimmers between guarded zones. Hall said she trained as a crew member on an IRB, observed surf-sport competitions and noted that many surf clubs rely on volunteers on weekends while paid lifeguards cover weekdays.
Marine Safety Chief Bailey introduced Hall and highlighted that it is rare for the same agency to have multiple selects in consecutive years; last year Jackson Lawrence from Seal Beach participated, and this year Hall represented Seal Beach. Hall thanked the council for support and said she was proud to represent the city.
