Bay of Plenty Lifeguards are expecting a busy summer volunteering, with the heat of summer upon us.

Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service senior lifeguard Jamie Troughton says last summer's warm air and water temperatures made a big difference to the number of people getting to the beach.

And despite the wet start to this season, he expects similar summer conditions this year too.

'The temperatures were on average 1.5 degrees warmer over winter so the water hasn't really cooled down and it's going to heat up a hell of a lot faster this summer.”

Add the return of cruise ships and overseas tourists to the mix and you get a beach-goer boom!

'Our clubs are expecting a really busy summer and there's also more likelihood of tropical cyclones so it could be the perfect storm.”

Skilled volunteers
Asked if lifeguard volunteers will be ready for the flood of people at local beach hot spots in the Bay, Jamie says: 'Lifeguards up and down the coast have all spent a lot of time training over winter”.

'They've been getting fitter, they've been doing their first aid courses, their IRB drivers and crew awards…so by the time they get to the beach over summer, they're ready to save lives.”

However, they can always do with more hands on deck – and not necessarily in the water either.

'We always need more volunteers, in a number of roles. We need people with full driver licences who can lead our roams up and down the coast, people with good radio skills, people with good communication skills, with sound first aid skills, or just people who are eager to learn that we can train.”

Know your limits

Jamie says often when people get into trouble in the water, the situation is avoidable.

'Even when people do get into trouble, there are still steps they can take to stop them getting into further trouble or exacerbating it.

'The number one thing is to know your limits and then if you do get into trouble don't panic, keep calm.”

He also says to check in with a lifeguard to point out safe areas to swim before you even jump in the water.

'We're there to help and guide people and to give them good advice…we love helping people.”

So don't be shy and catch up with your local lifeguards when you hit the beach.

'My big hope is that people have a fantastic summer, catch lots of waves, cool off – but do it in a way that they're nice and safe, and same with the people around them.”