United Surf Club

United North Piha Lifeguard Service Inc

	North Piha clubhouse United patch	For up-to-date details on United memebership, please go to www.unitednorthpiha.org.nz United North Piha Lifeguard Service provides a voluntary surf life saving service for the longer of the two beaches at Piha. The 2.4 km of beach is arguably one of New Zealand's most dangerous sections of beach and many rescues have been carried out here over the club's fifty year history of providing a voluntary service to the people of Waitakere City and the Greater Auckland area. North Piha looking north to Te Waha headland at the northern end of the beach.
	Inflatable rescue boat (IRB) parallel running	The northern end of the beach is extremely dangerous and desolate and the rocks at the far north end are frequently used by fishermen. The beach north of the clubhouse is always dangerous and it is strongly recommended that you do not swim there - even the surf life savers don't! Strong rips, drifts and currents are always present in this area and particularly around Monkey Rock. Please note that although there is a car park in this vicinity, this car park is intended for trampers, not swimmers, as it leads you straight into the most dangerous section of the whole beach. In the interests of regeneration of stocks please do not take shellfish from North Piha beach. There are also biohazard signs up at present because of the toxic algal bloom in the local shellfish population.
	Quad bike enables surf lifesavers to get around the length of North Piha quickly	Surf patrol tower in front of clubhouse
	CPR training	The clubhouse is situated more or less in the middle of the beach and evolved from the camping ground at North Piha around 1950. This campground is a private facility and there is no provision for people other than members of the Campers Club to stay there. The club operates two Californian style towers, one in front of the clubhouse and one at the south end of the beach. The south end of the beach is becoming increasingly popular as it is the most accessible swimming area. It is usually safer than the rest of the beach but care should always be taken and if the surf life savers are on duty be sure to swim between the flags. There are very few amenities at North Piha - no shops or restaurants, only public toilets and areas for picnics. It is definitely the quiet end of Piha! Dogs are allowed on North Piha beach if on a lead but remember that the black sand gets extremely hot during the summer and many dogs have had their paws burnt because of inconsiderate owners. We suggest that if you want to take your dog to this beach that you do so in the winter months. Please note also that the local penguin population has suffered in recent years with the increase in the number of dogs on the beach, so please keep your muttly under control!!
	From the North end of the beach you can walk over to White's Beach which is not accessible by road. Take care if you decide to swim there - no-one will be around to help you! It is a beautiful spot and please remember - take only pictures, leave only footprints. United North Piha Lifeguard Service is always looking for new members - both active and supporters. We need your support - please contact us if you can help in any way. Our principle e-mail addresses are at the top of the page.	Junior guard training

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