Focus On Prevention Results In Lowest Rescue Numbers In Years

A concerted focus on preventative action this summer saw Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) conduct 577 rescues over the summer patrol season (Labour Weekend – 28 April). The rescue number is down from 873 in the 23/24 season and 1472 in the 22/23 season. This is, in part, due to a significant increase in preventive action taken by surf lifeguards. Surf lifeguards completed 47,487 preventative actions involving nearly 1 million people - nearly double the number of people impacted last season.

A preventative action is when a surf lifeguard identifies a potentially dangerous situation and takes precautionary action to prevent the situation from developing into, or contributing to, a real emergency. This includes actions such as preventing swimmers from entering a rip or hole, checking on swimmers who may appear to be in difficulty or shifting board and ski riders out of the flagged area.

General Manager of Lifesaving Andy Kent says the reduction in people needing to be rescued is testament to the ongoing work and education surf lifeguards undertake on beaches up and down the country.

“The last thing anyone wants is beachgoers, and surf lifeguards, getting into a life-threatening situation.

“It’s incredibly positive to see those rescue numbers start to trend down.”

The busiest day for surf lifeguards on our beaches was 29 January with 90 incidents and nearly 200,000 people on our beaches. February was the busiest month with warmer weather encouraging more people into the water.

Surf lifeguards worked over 240,000 hours keeping people safer this summer season with surf lifeguard hours increasing every year.

Andy says New Zealand owes our over 4000 volunteer surf lifeguards a huge debt of gratitude.

“We can enjoy downtime on the beach because others are giving up their time to keep us safer.”

“That isn’t just the hours you see them patrolling, but also the time spent training themselves and others to ensure our beaches aren’t just safe now, but well into the future.”

Andy says being a surf lifeguard is incredibly rewarding, offering opportunities to exercise, learn incredible teamwork and leadership skills and be part of a supportive club environment. He says a volunteer surf lifeguard’s commitment to their community is year-round.

“Even though beach patrols have finished up for the season, surf lifeguards will continue to train and upskill over winter and our incredible volunteer Search and Rescue squads will remain on standby, ready to respond.”

Andy says it is critical beachgoers take particular care during patrol off-season.

“Above all, if you have even the smallest doubt about your ability to get yourself out of trouble in the conditions, stay on the beach and get home to your whanau safely. And if you see anyone in trouble in the water, call 111 immediately and ask for Police,” says Andy.

ENDS

Season Patrol Statistics (26 October 2024 – 27 April 2025):

Aggregated patrol statistics (national):

Northern Region: 

Eastern Region: 

Central Region:

Southern Region: 

Key Safety Messages: 2024/25 season  

1.    Know How To Float - Me Mōhio koe me Pēhea te Mānu 

If you don’t know how to float, don’t go into the water. 

Just being able to float when you are in the water can increase your chance of survival. Floating allows you to calm yourself and keep your airways out of the water. It is also the first thing to do if you get caught in a rip.  

If you don’t know how to float well, practice or get some lessons in a pool before you head to the beach - being able to float is a key skill when learning to swim. Anyone can learn to float but some people may take a little longer to learn.  

2.    Find The Safest Place To Swim - Kimihia te Wāhi Haumaru Rawa Ki Te Kaukau 

Remember if you are heading to the beach, check www.safeswim.org.nz to find a lifeguarded beach, and always swim between the red and yellow flags, which show the safest place to swim. The surf lifeguards are there to help keep beachgoers safe, by keeping a constant eye on sea as they continuously scan for hazards or people in difficulty, keeping on top of weather forecasts and understanding the swell and tide conditions too.

3.    If In Doubt, Stay Out - Mehemea e Rangirua Ana, Me Noho Ki Waho  

Waves can be bigger than they look, dangerous rip currents are hard to spot and weather conditions can be unpredictable. If you feel uncomfortable about getting into the water, stay out. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Too many people get into trouble in the water because they overestimate their abilities and underestimate the conditions.  

4.    Take Care of Others - Tiakina te Tangata 

Always keep children within arm’s reach in or near the water.  Waves can move quickly and unexpectedly and can knock kids off their feet and sweep them away. Everyone has different levels of ability, so watch out for your mates too. 

5.    Know How to Get Help - Me Mōhio koe me Pēhea te Kimi Āwhina 

If someone in the water is in trouble and surf lifeguards are on patrol, let them know.  If you can’t see any surf lifeguards, call 111 and ask for police. Police have a direct line to surf lifeguards and others who can help. 

If you’re in the water and in trouble yourself, signal for help.