Wanganui Surf Lifesaving Guards were not out patrolling Castlecliff and Mowhanau beaches on Christmas Day despite hot weather and hundreds of people swimming.
The lack of lifeguards has been slammed by Councillor Ray Stevens.
Wanganui Surf Lifesaving spokesman Phil Gilmore said the lifeguards were all home with their families for
Christmas Day.
"There have never been lifeguards on Christmas Day. People need to take responsibility for themselves and their children ... don't go out past their waists, be very careful and very safe. It's all about taking responsibility and not being stupid," Mr Gilmore said.
On Christmas Day the temperatures soared into the early 30s and around 400 people were at Mowhanau Beach and hundreds more were at Castlecliff Beach. Mr Stevens said one woman and her daughter were caught up in a rip at Mowhanau Beach. They got out of danger but they were terrified, he said. "No life guards around ... this is summer, they should be here."