Lifeguards urge caution as weekday patrols end on Gisborne beaches

The beaches were a popular place for big numbers of R&V festival goers who enjoyed the sunshine and lovely beach conditions at Wainui and elsewhere just prior to New Year. Photo / Murray Robertson

The weekday paid surf lifeguard service on Gisborne’s beaches has ended and lifeguards urge the public to be aware of it.

Paid guards finished their patrol duties at Midway, Waikanae and Wainui beaches on Friday afternoon.

Tyler Ranger, who supervised most of the programme in Gisborne, said it was a wet season for the lifeguards, which affected beach numbers.

“We had only the one rescue out at Wainui, in which two children got into trouble in a rip just before Christmas. We did, however, carry out a lot of preventative actions.

“Our observation is that the community is generally pretty good around water and knows their own limits.

“The public should be aware, though, that the lifeguards are not there now during weekdays and people need to ensure they stay within their limits in the water.”

Despite the weather, Ranger said it was a good season all around.

Volunteer surf lifesavers at the Gisborne clubs will continue to patrol Saturdays and Sundays and public holidays through into March.