SLSNZ asks public to take extra care at beaches as lifeguard patrols wind down

While drowning numbers have been horrifically high this summer across our waterways it’s clear that the beach and coastal fatalities would have been far worse if not for the efforts of the country’s Surf Lifesaving Service. Every fatal drowning is a tragedy but with the vigilance of the nation’s lifeguards, there have been no deaths between the red and yellow flags this summer. 

Lifeguards across the country have been on alert over the long, hot, busy summer. An early start to the warm weather saw packed beaches even before the start of patrol season on Labour Weekend, particularly in the Auckland and Northern regions which were under lockdown. The heat continued over the school holiday period driving large numbers of New Zealanders to the beach to cool off.  

Despite contending with the evolving landscape of Covid-19 restrictions lifeguard patrols have been maintained at all Surf Life Saving Clubs across the country. 74 volunteer Surf Life Saving Clubs continued to provide seasonal patrols, starting on Labour Weekend and ending after Easter1, including one new club which joined the Surf Life Saving ranks this year at Baylys Beach, Northland. 

Surf Life Saving New Zealand Eastern Region Manager, Avan Polo says, “The Eastern Region lifeguards have done a fantastic job dealing with the challenging conditions this summer. Beaches across the Bay of Plenty were extremely busy following the lifting of the Auckland lockdown. Lifeguards also had to deal with a major cyclone and dangerous coastal conditions at many beaches.” 

“It has obviously been a challenging summer right across the Central Region. I am delighted with how the lifeguards in the region have performed, they have done an excellent job,”  adds Surf Life Saving New Zealand Central Region Manager, Charlie Cordwell.

Data for the last ten years (2020-2021) shows a staggering level of activity undertaken to keep people safe at the beach: 

• 11,364 rescues / lives saved 
• 7, 866 assists 
• 1,136,315 preventative actions  
• 3,397 searches 
• 24,163 first aid treatments

While summer has officially ended and many weekday patrols have now ceased, lifeguards’ job is not completely over with meteorological reports predicting that higher than average temperatures will continue until Easter. Many beaches still have volunteer lifeguards present on weekends over the next few weeks (some going right through until Easter) and the Surf Life Saving Search and Rescue squads are on standby for callouts all year round. 

Surf Life Saving New Zealand CEO, Paul Dalton, asks beachgoers to take extra care as the patrolling season starts to wind down around the country. “We want New Zealanders to continue to enjoy outings to the beach if this epic warm weather continues, but ask that they do it safely.” 

“Choose a lifeguarded beach where possible and swim between the red and yellow flags. Please be cautious if you’re visiting a beach without lifeguards on patrol. Do your homework and check for the risks, don’t overestimate your abilities and if in doubt stay out of the water.” 

Beachgoers can go to www.safeswim.org.nz to find out which beaches are patrolled and when lifeguards are on duty. The site also provides information on the hazards at a beach, such as strong wind or currents, to help plan a safe day out.   

Beach Safety Messages 

• Where possible, choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the flags.  As the patrol season winds down check before you go if the beach is going to be patrolled, and take that into account in your planning 
• Read and understand the safety signs – and if surf lifeguards are on patrol ask them for advice as conditions can change regularly 
• Don’t overestimate your ability or your children’s ability to cope in the conditions 
• Always keep a close eye on very young children in or near the water – always keep them within arm’s reach 
• Get a friend to swim with you – never swim or surf alone 
• Watch out for rip currents, they can carry you away from shore. If caught in a rip current remember the 3Rs: *Relax and float, *Raise your hand and *Ride the rip 
• Be smart around rocks: When fishing never turn your back towards the sea and always wear a lifejacket 
• If in doubt, stay out! 
• If you see someone in trouble, call 111 and ask for the Police 
• Be sun smart – slip, slop, slap and wrap to protect your skin and eyes from the sun’s damaging rays. 

Eastern Region: Patrol Season Dates 2021-22 

Central Region: Patrol Season Dates 2021-22 

Southern Region: Patrol Season Dates 2021-22