By KATHERINE HOBY
Beaches are central to the New Zealand summer lifestyle, and the region's lifeguards are central to making the day at the beach as safe as possible.
Surf Lifesaving Northern Region spokesman Matt Yallop said lifeguards were likely to be busy this weekend with fine, hot weather expected.
Raglan, Sunset, and Karioitahi Beaches are best avoided altogether at low tide, he said.
Beach lovers should swim two hours either side of high tide.
Swimmers should stick to the south end of Raglan and swim strictly between the red and yellow flags.
Karioitahi has several holes and rips and swimmers should be aware of them.
Karekare is a steep beach, Mr Yallop said, and swimmers should stay strictly within a comfortable depth.
Piha has a really big hole right out from the middle of the beach, as well as a permanent rip - Pakiti Rip.
North Piha fans should park by the clubhouse and swim in the patrolled area in the middle of the beach.
The beach erosion at Muriwai is significant and people should avoid standing on or playing under dunes.
At several beaches from Mairangi Bay to the Whangarei Heads there are nasty underwater rocks, said Mr Yallop.
Surf Lifesaving Bay of Plenty spokesman Joe Boyce said warmer seas in the area were bringing significant numbers of jellyfish and bluebottles to the beaches.
If swimmers were stung they should not try to pull the creatures off but wash them off in cold water and apply vinegar.
A lifeguard should be consulted if possible.
Mr Boyce said people should never swim alone.
He warned that flat seas at Bay of Plenty beaches were dangerous for children playing on new flotation toys as they could quickly get pulled out to sea by strong, unseen currents.
"We want people to have a great time at the beach but exercise common sense too," he said.
"And please, if in doubt, stay out."
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