Our mission is to prevent loss of life and ensure safety in and around the aquatic environment by providing lifeguard services and education. Kariaotahi provides an essential community service and is regarded by the public as an Icon of New Zealand, The Surf Life Saving Association.
Founded in 1968, our volunteer lifeguard patrols have become entrenched in the fabric of New Zealand Culture. Our service has never seen loss of life in a patrolled area, a record we are justifiably proud of.
The level of professionalism and commitment from our lifeguards has seen a natural progression to becoming well respected as a community based emergency rescue service. As a club we have worked hard to lift the profile of the club in the community, as well as delivering the professionalism required from a surf life saving organization.
Kariaotahi worked hard to become one of Surf Life Saving Northern Region’s top clubs. Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi has been voted Best Patrolled Beach for 2003, 2005, 2006 & 2008 seasons.  This is a standard and reputation that Kariaotahi is very proud of.
Our volunteer lifeguards spend many hours of their time guarding beaches, and carried out many preventative actions, perform first aids, searched for people and perform many rescues.