Tribute for Hamish Rieger

Mount Maunganui lifeguard Hamish Rieger. Photo/Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media Services

This weekend a tribute will be held for 17-year-old Hamish Rieger before the surf lifesaving Eastern Regional Championships begin on Mount Main Beach.

Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service said on a Facebook post this evening that a tribute and moment of silence was to be held on the beach on Saturday at 7.30am.

It has been planned by the Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service, the Rieger family, Surf Life Saving New Zealand and Eastern Region staff.

"At 7.30am, before competition starts on Saturday morning, all athletes will be asked to leave the water and assemble on shore," the post said.

"Hamish's beloved event guards will help lead an "IRB fly-by" across the arenas, taking a special marker buoy out into the middle of the Main Beach."

A minute of silence will be observed to remember Hamish and the "incredible contribution" he made to surf lifesaving, as well as "honouring the contribution his family continues to make."

Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service welcomed all athletes, officials, supporters and the public to share in the tribute.