Cyclone Pola is making tracks towards New Zealand, meaning more swells will be in store.

"Pola is much more powerful than Oma was this time a week ago and, exactly like last week, high pressure is going tear the cyclone apart and guide it back away from NZ," says WeatherWatch.co.nz

Pola will be as close to NZ as it will get over the next 24 hours and is currently 1400kms north east of Auckland, 500kms closer than it was yesterday morning.

Large swell warnings were issued in mid-February, when cyclone Oma was on track to reach New Zealand.

At the time Surf Life Saving New Zealand issued a warning for surfers who are tempted by the large swells.

Eastern Region Lifesaving manager Chase Cahalane says with the bigger surf one would hope that those attracted are knowledgeable and experienced.

'However, that's not always the case, and sometimes even the most experienced people get into trouble.

'Make sure you check the conditions before you go – ensure they are within your personal limitations.

'Surf near a patrolled location but not between the flags. Tauranga beaches are being patrolled during the week until the end of February with roving patrols. Standard flag patrols continue in the weekends at all club locations.

'Never swim or surf alone. Always surf with a mate and tell somebody else where you are going and when you expect to be back.”

If in doubt, stay out. Chase says most rescues carried out come from people underestimating the conditions and overestimating their ability.

'If you get caught in a rip remember the 3 R's of Rip Safety, Relax, Raise your hand, Ride the rip.

'If you see someone in trouble, call 111 and ask for police.”

During that time, it was also announced that due to the ongoing swell and challenging surf conditions, doubled with the hot weather, lifeguards opted to continue observational lifeguard patrols along the coastline due to the considerable number of after-hours rescues and callouts.

With the warm weather installed for this weekend and Cyclone Pola on its way, it can make for some dangerous swimming conditions at beaches.

Back in 2014, five-year-old Jack Dixon was swept out to sea by a large wave.

The sea conditions back in 2014 is similar to what Tauranga will be experiencing this weekend.

A Surf Life Saving spokesperson says the weekend patrols in the Bay of Plenty will be continuing as normal.

'We urge people to swim between the flags at a lifeguarded beach.

'This is the best way to keep yourself safe with this weather system.”

Find out more about local patrols by visiting www.findabeach.co.nz or downloading the BP ME app.