People flocked to the beaches en masse at the weekend, kepping surf lifeguards busy.

Surf lifeguards across the country performed 15 rescues and assisted an additional 21 people to safety this weekend.

Tay St Beach in Mount Maunganui saw beachgoers reach a peak headcount of 1150 and Fitzroy surf lifeguards rescued two boogie boarders caught in a rip.

Auckland’s West Coast beaches continued to keep surf lifeguards busy as warm weather attracted people to the beach. On Saturday Muriwai lifeguards rescued a patient who was separated from his paddleboard and Piha surf lifeguards provided medical assistance for a patient who had torn their hamstring while surfing and a person who had a seizure on the beach.

Sunday, saw Piha lifeguards assisting seven patients and rescuing one.

Takapuna and Long Bay surf lifesavers, and the North Shore rescue water craft (jetski) roaming patrol were kept busy on Sunday with beachgoers reaching 4400 at Takapuna and 1850 at Long Bay.

In Christchurch, Spencer Park surf lifeguards undertook a rescue on Saturday, while on Sunday, Waimairi lifeguards rescued three patients in difficulty throughout the day.

SLSNZ general manager lifesaving Andy Kent says respecting that conditions can change quickly and being able to float are key to staying safe in the water.

“Even the strongest, most experienced people can get caught out in the water.”

“If you do get into trouble your ability to float can be the difference between life and death. It helps to calm yourself and keep your airways out of the water.

“It’s looking like a late summer this year so we’re urging all beachgoers to understand their abilities, look out for each other and don’t take risks when it comes to the water.”