Swimmers obey the rules

Local lifeguards say our swimmers are staying between the flags. PHOTO / DUNCAN BROWN

Hawke's Bay swimmers are staying between the flags, local lifeguards say, but strong currents at some beaches mean some swimmers need a helping hand.

Surf Life Saving Ocean Beach patrol captain Jacob Crawley said swimmers had been well-behaved during the Christmas period.

"Everyone's been pretty good swimming between the flags and knowing their surf safety rules."

Surf Life Saving regional supervisor Andrew Callinicos said the rescue of 11 people at Ocean Beach on Christmas Day did not mean it was unsafe for swimming.

He said the rescues were low- key and the decision was made to keep the beach open despite the presence of a rip, fed by a channel running along the beach as the tide went out.

"People leaving the surf found themselves getting sucked along as they swam to shore," he said.

"We couldn't get the flagged area away from it so we had two lifeguards giving people a bit of help and pulling them out.

"It wasn't life-threatening - the surf was quite small."

Numbers peaked at 700 on Christmas Day at Ocean Beach, the busiest day of the surf lifesaving season so far.

It was in stark contrast to the Marine Parade beach Mr Callinicos patrolled yesterday.

There were no swimmers in the water when Hawke's Bay Today visited at 3pm, with a strong offshore breeze chilling aquatic urges.

At Waimarama head guard Rhys Harman said numbers at the beach peaked at 314 yesterday "which is pretty reasonable for the conditions".

"The waves are quite nice so the swimmers, boogie-boarders and paddle-boarders are all coming out - kids with their new surfboards and things like that." Last week there were problems with jellyfish giving children mild stings "but the adults all handled it".

Last year's New Year's Day saw 3500 people on the beach with just four lifeguards "so it was pretty hectic".

Mr Callinicos said on Christmas Eve a young pygmy sperm whale was successfully refloated at Westshore Beach by lifeguards and members of the public, using phone directions from the Department of Conservation, which was "a good effort".

He said three basic rules for swimmers were: swim between the flags, listen to life guards and never swim or surf alone.

Many choose Hawke's Bay's many rivers to cool off.

Wellington visitor Jack Williams enjoyed swimming at the Maraetotara Falls with Hawke's Bay friends made at Victoria University.

Jemma Smith said they chose to take him to the popular spot because it was "an adventurous place - jumping off trees and over rocks".

Local high school students Amos Mohe, Isaac Gibbons and Johnny Haerewa said it was an "adrenalin place".

"The water is nice and cool and there is no rash from seawater," Johnny said.

On the Tukituki River at the end of River Rd in Havelock North, nine-year-old Juliette Neil of Hamilton wasn't having much luck spin fishing with dad Greg while mum read in the shade after walking Te Mata Peak. Mr and Mrs Neil, holidaying with nine family members and dog Vero, went to Havelock North High School but now live in Hamilton where Dr Neil is Waikato University's pianist.

Mr Callinicos said he hoped better weather would bring more people to Hawke's Bay beaches.

"It was a busy Christmas and hopefully we'll have a few more in the New Year."