The basement of the brand new Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service clubhouse is expected to be finished before the 2018 patrol season begins.
Progress is on track for the $3 million rebuild of the clubhouse, which has stood on Mount Main Beach since 1979.
Club chairman Paul Manning said contractors were confident the new basement area would be complete in time for the start of the patrol season on October 20.
"We've been really fortunate to have come through winter without any significant weather delays, and our contractors have been really working hard to get our new facility functional, as soon as possible," he said.
"We have contingency plans in place should it not be ready that weekend, however, so either way, it won't impact on the service we'll deliver to the public over Labour Weekend."
Manning said it would mean patrol members would need to forward plan due to lack of available parking and limited club facilities for the early patrols.
"But they're all incredibly excited by the progress in the new build, and they're totally happy to make allowances at the start of the season," he said.
"As far as the public are concerned, it will be business as usual, and we'd like to reinforce the usual messages to our beachgoers - swim between the flags, know your limits and listen to our trained lifeguards."
The roof was completed this week, and 80 per cent of the window and door joinery was now in.
The exterior cladding will be going up in the next few weeks, with internal walls and ceilings due to begin next week.
Brunel Construction has had up to 25 employees and contractors on site, as they press towards the final few months.
Manning said the club needed just $500,000 more to ensure the "world-class facility" was ready for use.
"We've had some incredible responses to our public appeal, and we're halfway there...," he said.
"With the days getting longer and the water warming up, people are definitely getting back into beach mode, and we'd love them to make a contribution, to get us over the line before summer arrives and the crowds descend."
Fundraising events
What: Whose wine is it anyway?
Get your friends, family or team together for an afternoon of fun, wine tasting and competition. Numbers strictly limited. R18.
When: November 18, 4pm-8pm
Where: Mills Reef Winery
Price:
Table price: $350 (2x teams of four)
Team price: $200 (1x team of four)
Wine tasting and share platters included.
All proceeds will go towards the Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service rebuild project.
What: Nippers turns 50!
Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service was the first club in New Zealand to introduce a Nippers programme, with committee formed in September 1968 and the first Nippers day held in early November 1968. To commemorate this, we're having a 50th birthday celebration for Nippers.
When: November 4, 3-5pm.