Weekend Wrap: Surf Lifeguards Kept Busy with Rescues, Burnt Feet, and Packed Beaches

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) is urging beachgoers to swim between the red and yellow flags following an incredibly busy weekend.

Surf lifeguards rescued 57 people on Saturday and Sunday, 33 of these in the Northern Region.

Steve Fisher, SLSNZ CEO, said, “December through to March is the busiest time for surf lifeguards as people enjoy New Zealand’s magnificent coastline.  However, there are a number of things people must do to ensure they are safe, including checking safeswim.org.nz to find a lifeguarded beach and swimming between the red and yellow flags, which is the safest place to be.”

According to NIWA, Auckland experienced its fifth-hottest day on record at the weekend.  However, while the beach is a great place to cool down, beachgoers must make sure they are prepared for the hot conditions, including hot sand.  On Saturday, surf lifeguards at Piha dealt with multiple people who suffered burns on their feet.

Fisher said, “Surf lifeguards are trained to deal with both minor and major first aids.  While most of these burns were able to be dealt with relatively easily, one person did suffer deep and extensive burns which required assistance from Hato Hone St John.  It’s a good reminder to always have the correct gear when heading to the beach, especially on black sand beaches.  Footwear is a must.”

Surf lifeguards also noticed a high volume of beachgoers at the weekend.  On Sunday, surf lifeguards recorded 3,000 people at Auckland’s Takapuna Beach, while on Saturday, surf lifeguards in Raglan recorded 4,500 beachgoers, many of them from music festival Soundsplash.

Fisher said, “The surf lifeguards did a fantastic job of keeping watch over all those people.  It’s not an easy job, and we appreciate the teamwork that goes into making sure beachgoers return home safely.  It certainly requires effort from everyone – whether they’re at the water’s edge, in the tower, or in the club.”

With more sunshine and warm temperatures during the start of this week, and with Auckland, Northland, and Nelson Anniversaries coming up, SLSNZ is expecting more busy weekends ahead.