First published on Newsline on 2 September 2026. 

A passion for helping others has resulted in Council lifeguard, Ben Aveyard being named Lifeguard of the Year for 2026.

A senior supervisor at Taiora QEII Recreation and Sport Centre, Ben was crowned at the recent Recreation Aotearoa Aquatics Awards in Auckland.

“I became a lifeguard when I moved back to New Zealand, eight years ago and after six months I knew it was something I wanted to do long term.

“I’ve always pushed myself to develop in the role through courses and by learning  from others and now I get to pass on my own knowledge which I really enjoy.”

Ben’s supervisor who nominated him for the award was there when he was announced the winner.

“It was a big surprise! It was a bit nerve wracking having to get up in front of a large group of people and speak, but it’s a big honour.”

I called my friends and family, and video called my grandparents back in The UK to tell them the news, everyone is very proud, he said.

Recreation Aotearoa Aquatics Programme Manager Rhiann Collins said judges were impressed with Ben’s skills in managing people, plant and administration, as well as his ability to build meaningful relationships across multiple facilities.

“Ben is an exceptional role model for other lifeguards and exemplifies excellence in lifeguarding.

“He makes a significant contribution to his team, is always willing to lend a hand and has a great rapport with customers.”

Ben said he loves the variety of the job, “There’s a lot more to it than just watching the pool, we do a lot of first aid, administration and pre-empting things before they happen, you always have to be alert.”

“A bonus is we get to watch kids learn to swim, people stay fit but swimming daily and school groups come in for kids to learn about water safety, it’s a very rewarding job.”