At its peak, it was estimated about 700 people were in and around the flagged area at Gisborne's Wainui Beach on New Year's Eve, with many more along the beach. Midway also had several hundred beachgoers. Photo / Murray Robertson
At its peak, it was estimated about 700 people were in and around the flagged area at Gisborne's Wainui Beach on New Year's Eve, with many more along the beach. Midway also had several hundred beachgoers. Photo / Murray Robertson
Most of Gisborne’s beaches were well populated on New Year’s Eve as visitors in town for Rhythm and Vines took full advantage of the sunny skies on the final day of the festival.
Lifeguards kept Waikanae Beach closed as a health warning remained in place after emergency sewage discharge valveswere opened Monday night.
Five days is the recommended stand-down after an emergency discharge.
Wainui drew the biggest crowds on Wednesday as thousands flocked to the seaside suburb.
Parking was at a premium at Wainui, particularly on Wairere Rd, and Moana Rd around Lysnar Domain and the surf club.
Riversun Wainui had a peak head count around the clubhouse at midday yesterday of about 700, with many hundreds more along the beach front.
St John Ambulance was called there to take an injured beachgoer to the hospital. He had suffered a dislocated shoulder playing cricket.
Lifeguards at Wainui used an IRB to assist three R&Vers who needed a helping hand to get back to shore opposite the Chalet Rendezvous. Photo / Murray Robertson
Lifeguards were called on to help three teenage R&V attendees near the Chalet.
“They were out past the surf break, and we used an IRB to assist them safely back to shore,” head guard Clayden Hope said.
There was about 1.5 metres of surf running at the beach.
“Not big enough to scare people off going into the water but big enough to get them into trouble,” he said.
“Overall, we were pretty happy with the behaviour.
“Most people respected things and us, and stayed within the patrol flags.”
The beach and good old Gizzy sunshine after two days of rain proved a huge drawcard on New Year's Eve for R&V festival goers, particularly at Wainui. Photo / Murray Robertson
Midway had a peak head count of around 400 at one stage yesterday.
“It was a massive crowd at one stage,” the lifeguards reported.
“We had a couple of minor first aids and a few preventative actions.”
