Beach safety ‘shopping list’ from surf lifesavers

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) wants Kiwis to consider beach safety when they purchase those beach activity-based Christmas gifts over the next few weeks.

SLSNZ has compiled a “shopping list” of common beach activity-themed gifts, along with tips for helping people enjoy their new hobby safely.

Chief executive Paul Dalton said beach activity gear can make for a great Christmas gift.

“But it's important to keep your loved ones' safety top of mind when making a purchase.”

The lifeguards' shopping list starts with Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs). If you're gifting someone a SUP, make sure it comes with a leash that's right for the conditions. Make sure they're set up with a lifejacket or PFD (personal flotation device).

Sea kayak — does your loved one own a lifejacket or personal flotation device? If not, definitely include one as part of their gift,

Surfboard — Surfing New Zealand recommends lessons for first-time surfers, before choosing a board. Surfing lessons make a great gift.

Boogie board — Is Santa getting the kids a boogie board for Christmas? Make sure he includes fins and an attached leash. A leash that's attached to the boogie board means your child will have a flotation device if they get into difficulty in the water — and fins will give them extra kicking power so they can swim back to shore.

Inflatable pool toys — this includes inflatable doughnuts, unicorns and flamingos, as well as old-fashioned inner tubes and lilos. But the key word here is “pool”.

Every summer, volunteer surf lifeguards spend hours rescuing people who have been swept out to sea on inflatable pool toys. Even on the calmest of beaches, an off-shore breeze will sweep you out to sea very quickly.