NZ's best lifeguard takes on world at kayaking - Article Week 9, Term 3

NZ's best lifeguard takes on world at kayaking 

New Plymouth's Adam Fraser was a world away when named New Zealand Lifeguard of the Year in Wellington on Saturday night.
The Fitzroy Surf Lifesaving Club member had a valid reason for missing the awards dinner - he was on the other side of the world competing in the world marathon kayaking championships in Copenhagen.
Fraser, who found out about the award before heading to Denmark, said: "It's pretty special, a nice surprise.
"I couldn't believe it, to be fair.
"I won the Taranaki Lifeguard of the Year award earlier in the year, so I knew my name had been put forward.
"It's nice to be recognised."
The 33-year-old panelbeater said it was disappointing he could not attend the awards but he was happy his father, Ross, could accept the trophy on his behalf.
"I would have loved to be there but competing for New Zealand is also pretty special. And being named New Zealand Lifeguard of the Year on the same day is something I'll never forget."
Fraser helped qualify 50 new lifeguards and as a chief IRB (inflatable rescue boat) examiner, he also put through eight new IRB drivers and 35 crewman awards.
Fraser also completed 65 hours of patrol duties, supporting his young patrol captain.
As vice-club captain, Fraser has also provided guidance and support for all Fitzroy lifeguards and patrols, often spending many hours in a support role which goes unlogged. "I qualified as a lifeguard when I was 14. I've done it for 19 years now, it's a lifetime thing. I know Fitzroy Beach like the back of my hand. It's the people and the environment I love.
"I get to hang out at the beach every day, you can't complain about that. It's a great organisation to belong to. As they say: you're in it for life."
Fraser is also involved in the Taranaki rescue squad.
"I'm on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week."
The Lifeguard of the Year award is the pinnacle of surf lifesaving in New Zealand and highlights the skill, experience and dedication of the men and women who give up their time to make our beaches safer. "Adam embodies everything it takes to be an exemplary volunteer surf lifeguard," Surf Lifesaving New Zealand chief executive Paul Dalton said.
"He has commitment, passion and an unswerving dedication to surf lifesaving. He's a great role model and has led by example."
The Volunteer of the Year was Whangamata's Mike Tames, with the Rescue of the Year going to the Sunset Beach Lifeguard Service who saved a group of 10 fishermen stranded on a rocky outcrop by the incoming tide.