A veteran of Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service is reminding beach-goers to stay safe in the surf this summer after he pulled two people from the water at Mount Main Beach last weekend.

Kent Jarman, who has been a lifeguard for 56 years, plucked two youngsters from the water on December 16-17.

On Saturday, a young girl, aged 13-14, on a boogie board, drifted about 400m off the beach.

“I think the rip started it and then the wind.

"We picked her up with a jet ski. She was pretty pleased to see me,” says Kent.

Then around 5pm on Sunday, as voluntary patrols were just about to end for the day, the 73-year-old helped a young Korean boy on a hire surfboard back to the beach.

“He kept thanking me all the way and I had to help him paddle his surfboard back in because he wasn’t very competent.”

With summer starting Kent says it’s time for people to ensure they navigate the water safely.

“My advice is if you’re going the beach, look to see where the surf is rolling in.

"Look for places where it’s breaking evenly.

"That means that the water’s shallow and it’s generally a lot safer.

"It’s a matter of reading the conditions on the day and adapting.

"Nothing’s fixed.

"The beach is dynamic. It’s always changing.”

Kent says lifeguards try to place red and yellow flags – to swim between – in an area they deem to be safe.

“Mount Main Beach is quite a difficult beach on a high tide because it’s got quite a bank.

So you get a bit of shorebreak, which is not ideal.

On some occasions, particularly when the surf is bigger, we might move the flagged area to Shark Alley, on the other side of Moturiki Island, because it’s a nice flat area, and it’s a lot safer.

“If you’re a person that’s not confident in the water, swim in the flagged area where we are able to keep an eye on you in that spot.

"Obviously not everyone’s going to be able to do that.

"Parking issues at the beach can be quite horrendous at times, and this is why a lot of people gravitate to the coastal area that we have here because it’s easier to get access to the beach.

"This is why we’ve always operated roving patrols with the ATVs.

"We try and keep those regularly working on busy days along with the jet ski roaming as well.”

Kent Jarman has served as a lifeguard for 56 years. Photo: Supplied.

Overall, Kent recommends the following tips to stay safe.

First, if you are in doubt – stay out!

And if you’re unsure about conditions, tap a lifeguard on the shoulder for advice.

They’ll be out all over the beaches this summer.

If you get caught in a rip – stay calm.

“Let it take you out and put your hand up to signal for help.”

If there is a swell, look for the places where the surf is breaking evenly because that indicates there is likely no rip there.

“The calmest spot is not always the best place to swim.”