Frolicking about on inflatables is perfect for pools ... but the Waihī Beach Lifeguard Service is pleading with people to keep those floaties out of the ocean.

Head guard Thomas Dodds said lifeguards have had to assist a few people drifting to sea in their inflatable pool toys at Waihī Beach.

“With the offshore winds, we strongly advise that you do not use inflatables as it will cause you to float out to Mayor Island or into the shipping channel!”

For the season so far, 74 lifeguards have rescued three people, performed 452 preventative actions and assisted people to safety, managed two major first aid incidents, over 25 minor first aid treatments and five searches.

Guards have patrolled more than 2700 hours at three locations.

They have also been treating plenty of jellyfish stings with first aid care.

Dodds said it had been a safe surf season so far with beautifully calm beach conditions. They’ve had few rescues and the public had been very responsible.

Changing conditions

Director of lifeguarding Lucy Scown reminded swimmers not to be fooled by small waves, which can be deceptive.

“As conditions can easily change, be aware of your swimming ability and know your limits. Swim between the flags where the lifeguards have determined is the safest place to swim and they’re watching out for you.”

The Orokawa 2km Ocean Swim.

Director of membership and communication Natalie Lloyd said the lifeguard season – which continues until Easter – had been a good one.

“People have been listening to the safety messages. With the good weather and calm conditions, we have been very lucky not to have had too many incidents.”

The surf club kickstarted the new year with its series of annual events held in the first week of the year. It’s a tradition with some events dating back more than 100 years.

The New Year Beach Sports Day is now in its 113th year and attracted more than 1000 participants. The event also saw rescue demonstrations in simulated situations.

Lloyd said this was always a great opportunity for the public to see what they do and to learn about water safety, emphasising that lifeguards are always rescue-ready and watching the areas between the flags.

“All of the tools and equipment people see used in the simulated rescues are available to people when they are swimming between the flags,” she said.

The Titanic on its descent into the waves ... one of the winners in the Sand Art Competition.

Other events included the Sand Art Competition on January 2, with more than 100 creative entries and a “near impossible task to pick winners” and Robinson’s Entertainment Fun Run/Walk had more than 300 participants on January 3.

There was also the Orokawa 2km Ocean Swim with 80 swimmers on January 4, followed by Let’s Talk Rugby – a night of entertainment and rugby chat, with an auction. Beach collections were also held.

“These events not only bring people together but also help raise much-needed funds to support our lifesaving services. With the growing community and less cash around, our annual beach collections are more challenging, but donations are still crucial to keeping us operational,” Lloyd said.

Key safety messages:

– Swim between the flags

– Know your limits

– If in doubt or you’re not sure you can manage the conditions, stay out

– Never swim alone

– Keep children within arm’s reach

– Don’t be fooled by small waves which can be deceptive

– Treating jellyfish stings: remove the tentacles/stingers with something like tweezers or a credit card. Anything other than your fingers, run under water as hot as you can handle, apply Stingose or similar and take antihistamines and/or paracetamol if required.