Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Surf Life Saving is warning people to think about what they take to the beach on a windy day.
It says significant numbers of beachgoers have been swept offshore by strong winds and surf, particularly on the East Coast of the North Island.
High winds have hit much of the country the last few days.
Life saving manager Andy Kent said many rescues have involved large recreational items.
"Pool toys cause us issues as people are going down there and are caught unawares
"But it's other things too with stand-up paddleboards and someone's got a brand new Christmas present, and he's not that confident on it.
"Paddleboards are perfectly okay for beach conditions but if you don't know what you're doing and you fall out, you can get blown off sort of out of your depth."
Kent said people who do get swept away should keep holding on to their item, to help stay afloat.
But he said it is best to keep inflatable pool toys, like lilos, at home.
"Blow up lilos, we see all sorts. Our amazing volunteers right across the motu are well experienced in this sort of stuff and they see all sorts of stuff.
"And, pool toys are definitely not for the beach."
Eleven people were rescued on Christmas and Boxing Day, and 31,000 people have been warned of the dangers in the past two days.
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