Bay of Plenty surf lifeguards are preparing for what has the potential to become an 'extremely busy” beach season.

A projected marine heat wave combined with the return of cruise ships, an influx of backpackers, and a higher than normal chance of a tropical cyclone are just some of the factors local lifeguards are keeping an eye on.

Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service chair Jamie Troughton says they are 'wary” of factors culminating to a potential season of bustling beaches.

'Last year, we had a marine heat wave which significantly increased water temperatures. This caused a surge in the amount of beach goers in the January and February peak.

'This year, they're saying we're going to have another marine heat wave, which will be combined with the return of our international visitors, the cruise season starting, more backpackers, more family visitors and a higher than average chance of a tropical cyclone.

'We've got our eye on what this summer could be like, it could be extremely busy.”

Beach patrol season kicked off last weekend, and Jamie says the beaches were busy up and down the coast over the long weekend.

'I think people love the fact they can smell summer on the horizon, and a long weekend was the perfect chance to get out and about.”

Jamie adds the weekend before labour weekend had 'quite a large groundswell” which was a good reminder for 'people to know their limits”.

'A lot of the rescues that happened on the Sunday when the surf was really big was a lot of locals, and people who were relatively experienced in the water.

'But they have just come off a winter of maybe not being out as much, and the conditions over that weekend took them by surprise.

'It was a really good reminder not just for us but the general public to respect the ocean and not give it any second chances. If in doubt, don't go out!”

According to Jamie, the best way to make sure you are safe is to find a patrolled area on the beach.

'We're going to have volunteer patrols out every weekend from now until Easter. The best way is to always find a lifeguard or ring any of the surf clubs along the coast to get a sense of what the conditions are like.

'If in doubt, stay out. Otherwise, find the flagged areas and stay in your depth. Get your feet on the sand if you're not confident.”

With the upcoming busy season, Jamie adds the Surf Lifesaving clubs up and down the coast are 'always looking out” for more volunteers.

'We seem to have had a bit of a drain on late teens and early 20s starting their belated overseas experiences, but we are always keen to get people with a bit of an aquatic ability or first aid skills to get involved.

'We'd love to have anyone interested to come down or give us a ring for more details on how to become a lifeguard.”

To contact a Surf Lifesaving club for more information on how to become a lifeguard, visit the Surf Lifesaving New Zealand website.