They may have got off to a soggy start to the week but with a hot, dry summer predicted, Mount Maunganui's paid lifeguards are gearing up for a busy season.
"Last year it was rather quiet with the weather, and Rena. This year we anticipate it'll be busy," said head lifeguard James Roy.
In his ninth year as a lifeguard, Mr Roy said the safety messages remained the same - swim between the flags, don't swim on your own, watch children closely and stay sun-smart.
Eight paid lifeguards have been appointed to patrol Mount Maunganui beach this summer. All are local university students except Stevie Gregory, 21, who's come from Cornwall, England.
Having just graduated in physiotherapy, Mr Gregory said he would work the summer here, then the summer at home, before getting "a real job".