Filming commenced on Piha Rescue for the first time in the summer of 2001, followed by a one-hour documentary airing in December 2002 (aired as Piha Patrol). It was the first reality show in the world following lifeguards.[citation needed]
In 2003 the first series screened on Television New Zealand followed by a further ten; with the final (12th) series screened on Prime in 2016 and 2017.[3] Screened in New Zealand as Piha Rescue, it has also been sold around the world under various titles, such as Deadly Surf and Surf Rescue. As of May 2019 it currently airs on Freeview Channel ThreeLife, generally on Sundays at 7 PM.
^Phia Guardians of the Iron Sands - The First 75 Years of the Piha Surf Life Saving Club, (Piha Rescue, Pages 122 - 123), Sandra Coney, ISBN978-0473-14906-2
^Between The Flags - 100 Years of Surf Life Saving in New Zealand, ( Piha Surf Life Saving Club, Pages 196 - 200), Surf Life Saving New Zealand, 2010, ISBN978-0-473-17686-0