Eastern Region surf lifeguards are pleased with how people are behaving this season. 

“They’ve been impressed with how beachgoers have reacted to safety messages, and most people have walked away following a fun day at the country’s favourite playground – the beach,” says SLSNZ Eastern Region lifesaving manager Chaz Gibbons-Campbell.

However, the season isn’t over, and Chaz and the rest of Surf Lifesaving New Zealand want to encourage everyone to remain vigilant and remember the safety messages so they return home safely to their friends and whānau.

“At the moment, we’re seeing a little drop-off in the number of beachgoers as people head back to work; however, we are noticing an increase in numbers a bit later in the day when people head to the beach after work for a quick swim.”

Eastern Region beaches have been busy this summer, especially over the two weeks between Christmas and New Year, says Chaz.

“We were counting thousands of people, especially on Mount Maunganui Beach.

“These high numbers are due to the sunny and hot weather around the country.”

With high temperatures due to continue over the next few weeks, we can the beaches to be busy, which is why it’s so important to follow the safety rules.

“We saw quite a few rescues around the Christmas period due to the swell in the region. 

“It wasn’t a big swell, measuring at about 1 – 1.5m, but combined with an outgoing tide in the afternoon, there’s a lot of water moving around that caught people off guard. 

“Around New Year, things quietened down as the water became quite flat, which was a relief for surf lifeguards.

“However, we did see a few medical incidents like dislocated shoulders, heat exhaustion, and, in Whangamatā one day, we saw a lot of bees in the water, resulting in a number of bee stings.”

It’s important to be aware of your surroundings, stay hydrated and make sure that you eat and stay in the shade when you can.

“Later this week and this weekend, we’re expecting similar swell conditions to Christmas, so we are advising people to head to safeswim.org.nz, find a lifeguarded beach, and swim between the red and yellow flags. 

“We’re also telling people to be extra cautious and not be fooled by small swells, as there can be a lot of water moving around.”

If you notice that the surf isn’t breaking evenly move to a safer spot to avoid a getting caught in a rip.

“Rescues are down on last year, and that’s because we don’t have the cyclone swells like we did last year. 

“However, we want to reiterate to beachgoers that that doesn’t mean you should be complacent. 

“Just because rescues are down, people still need to be on high alert and always find a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.”

You can never be too careful when swimming at the beach so follow the rules and if in doubt stay out.

Eastern Region surf lifeguards say they’ve been really impressed with how beachgoers are interacting with them, says Chaz.

“When surf lifeguards give them advice, they are listening and following it.

“We’re not seeing instances of abuse or negative reactions, which is fantastic.”

Beachgoers need to remember that volunteer surf lifeguards are there to protect them and to make sure they return home safe and sound after a fun day at the beach, says Chaz.

“One issue we are seeing is people ignoring safety signs on the beach. 

“For example, people are walking straight past signs warning of rips and heading out for a swim.

“Rips are a major hazard on beaches worldwide, including New Zealand, and they can be deadly. 

“Spotting a rip can be extremely difficult, which is why you should always swim between the red and yellow flags. 

“Surf lifeguards put flags in areas they know are safe, and they constantly scan this area for hazards or people in difficulty.”

If you happen to get caught in a rip, stay calm, let it take you out and signal for help.

“We want to encourage people to read safety warnings on the beach and always choose a lifeguarded beach to swim at, as swimming between the red and yellow flags is the safest place to swim.  

“With a swell expected later this week, we also want to remind and encourage people to know their limits.”

Again, if in doubt stay out.

If in need of some water safety advice refer to the website at https://www.surflifesaving.org.nz/stay-safe/beach-and-coastal-safety-messages.