FROM World Championship surfer to local lifeguard, Darren O'Rafferty says he is proud to serve the community in his new and vital role.

Although he admitted to missing the thrills of surfing some of the world's biggest waves included Teahupoo in Tahiti, he noted how lucky he was to be surrounded by the beauty of the Camden Haven.

"I first competed at Teahupoo in 2001. The first day I surfed, the surf was huge at 10ft," he said.

"I miss the challenge of surfing those waves. They say that's the peak of your surfing career, but I regard this area as one of the best in the world."

The 29-year-old said his greatest triumph was beating Kelly Slater in the Rip Curl Search Championship Tour in 2005.

"It was amazing to go up against Kelly Slater because he was one of my favourite surfers and idols.

"I beat him once at Reunion Island, near Madagascar in the Rip Curl Search Championship Tour in 2005.

"2006 was my last year on the World Championship Tour (WCT).

"I travelled to places like Tahiti and Hawaii, it was good to experience cultures and surf against the best surfers in the world."

The Bonny Hills local said although it was a big change from being part of the WCT, he was grateful to work at the beach and teach people about ocean safety.

"At the moment I'm happy being a lifeguard, I reckon we've got some of the best beaches in Australia, the rivers are unreal and we have good accommodation to attract tourists."

"At this stage I'm planning to stay in the area because all my family's here."

The seasonal lifeguard said two rescues had already taken place at North Haven beach this holiday season.

"There was a bad rip towards the north end of the car park. We've had a couple of rescues, but it was nothing serious," he continued.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council's (PMHC) senior lifeguard, Tim Ferris said council's and volunteer lifeguards were very experienced and did a fantastic job ensuring the safety of others.

"As lifeguards we are here on the beaches to make sure everyone has a fun and safe time.

"As always we encourage people to only swim between the flags at patrolled beaches and to obey the directions of lifeguards at all times.

"If people follow the rules and allow us to do our jobs we will have another fatality free swimming season," he concluded.

PMHC has employed 21 fulltime and casual lifeguards to ensure the safety of Port Macquarie beachgoers until April next year.

However, North Haven, Bonny Hills and Lighthouse beaches will only be patrolled during school holidays.