Kiwis urged to be safe at the beach as lifeguards prepare for their final patrols

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) is urging Kiwis to be safe at the beach this long weekend, as lifeguards carry out their final patrols of the season.

Although a sub-tropical low is approaching, bringing heavy rain and strong southerly winds to most parts of the North Island, SLSNZ National Lifesaving Manager Andy Kent predicts that beaches will still be bustling with activity.

He says it’s been an active season for Surf Lifeguards who have kept a watchful eye over 92 beaches and ensured the safety of thousands of people.

“In the South Island our teams have been extremely busy with hot weather attracting big numbers to the beaches.  Meanwhile in the North Island, some big swell, flooding, and cyclone Gabrielle kept Surf Lifeguards busy with many different incidents.

“Whatever the scenario, our volunteer Surf Lifeguards and our clubs have performed incredibly and for the 112th year in a row served their communities well”.

Kent added that with patrols wrapping up for the season, it’s important to keep these three beach safety messages in mind: Know your limits, if in doubt, stay out and if you spot someone in trouble, call 111 and ask for Police.  SLSNZ Search and Rescue teams are on call 24/7, and police will activate them to respond.  For more on these key messages, click here

To stay up-to-date on the latest patrol locations, weather forecasts, tides, and water quality reports, people should also check out the Safeswim website, which can be found here 

Bethells Beach in Auckland will finish its patrol next weekend.