Surf Life Saving is urging New Zealanders to swing between the flags at lifeguarded beaches over summer. Photo: Supplied / Surf Life Saving New Zealand
Surf Life Saving New Zealand is predicting a busy summer season, thanks to the increased chance of serious weather events and above-average temperatures..
The long weekend sees the start of summer surf life saving patrols along Aotearoa's coastlines.
Surf Life Saving's Chris Emmett said by summer's peak there would be 96 patrolled locations nationwide, and they all relied on an amazing group of volunteers.
They had been at work over the winter keeping up their knowledge and fitness, and they were keen to begin beach patrols again, he said.
But the volunteers needed the public to support them by being aware of risks and making good decisions around water, he said.
"Keeping people safe is not something that surf lifeguards can do on their own. We need the public to help their local clubs to ensure everyone stays safe."
Volunteers were "incredibly well prepared, trained and committed to supporting the public", Emmett said.
"Our surf lifeguards across the country are a friendly, approachable presence ... [and] we encourage beachgoers to come and ask us questions, find out about the beach and water conditions for that day, hazards to watch out for, and what the tides are doing.
"Many of our patrolled beaches also have informative signs that display this key information, so we also encourage everyone to look out for these."
This year, Surf Life Saving has released its key beach safety messages in te reo Māori as well as English.
Surf Life Saving's 2024-25 beach safety messages
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Watch out for your mates too.
- 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. If you're in the water and in trouble yourself, signal for help.
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