News

Big visitor numbers at the beach keep surf lifeguards busy

Monday, 3 February 2025

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

 

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

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 GM 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,” says Andy.

 

ENDS



Weekend Patrol Statistics:

Aggregated patrol statistics (national):

 

 

 

Sat 1 Feb

Sun 2 Feb

Aggregated

No. of rescues performed

7

8

15

No. of people assisted

5

16

21

No. of major first aids

7

1

8

No. of minor first aids

10

14

24

No. of searches

1

1

2

No. of preventatives

387

494

881

No. of people involved

10760

15981

26741

No. of peak head count

8194

6330

14524

No. of hours worked

3629

3867

7496

 

Northern Region: 

 

 

Saturday

Sunday

No. of people rescued

4

1

No. of people assisted

4

12

No. of major first aids

4

1

No. of minor first aids

6

7

No. of searches

0

0

No. of preventatives

187

263

No. of people involved

1524

5391

Peak Head Count + Location + Time

2500

4400

Total Hours Worked

1385

1332

 

Eastern Region: 

 

 

Saturday

Sunday

No. of people rescued

2

2

No. of people assisted

0

0

No. of major first aids

1

0

No. of minor first aids

2

0

No. of searches

0

1

No. of preventatives

71

107

No. of people involved

3115

8769

Peak Head Count + Location + Time

840

1150

Total Hours Worked

889

1107

 

Central Region:

 

 

Saturday

Sunday

No. of people rescued

0

2

No. of people assisted

0

3

No. of major first aids

2

0

No. of minor first aids

1

1

No. of searches

0

0

No. of preventatives

54

40

No. of people involved

1367

783

Peak Head Count + Location + Time

304

380

Total Hours Worked

628

768

 

Southern Region: 

 

 

Saturday

Sunday

No. of people rescued

1

3

No. of people assisted

1

1

No. of major first aids

0

0

No. of minor first aids

1

6

No. of searches

1

0

No. of preventatives

75

84

No. of people involved

4754

1038

Peak Head Count + Location + Time

4550

400

Total Hours Worked

727

660

 

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.