Blustery winds and cool water temperatures kept beachgoers out of the water as lifeguards began their patrols this Labour Weekend.
There were a few hardy souls who braved the chilly waters but most of those who turned up at the region's beaches were just as happy to cast out a line or take a walk.
This weekend marks the start of Surf Lifesaving New Zealand's official season, and the organisation says it is a timely reminder to be safe at the beach.
Last summer's drowning statistics were the worst in many years, with 19 people losing their lives at New Zealand beaches between Labour Weekend and Easter, despite the poor weather keeping many people out of the water.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand CEO Paul Dalton said the grim statistics showed people needed to take their own safety at beaches far more seriously.
"It's disappointing to see the increasing drowning rates but one statistic remains the same year on year - zero drownings between the flags," he said.
"The fact is, it is always the safest place to swim."
Latest statistics show there have been five drownings in Northland this year - four males and one female and all were totally preventable, WSNZ chief executive Jonty Mills said.
Two of the drownings were of New Zealand Europeans, two were Maori and one Asian.
On patrol at Ruakaka this weekend was Blue Watch patrol captain Andrew Wright who said the climatic conditions had kept most people out of the water.
Yesterday there were about 110 people at the beach and 11 people had decided to brave the chilly waters earlier in the morning.
"It's about 15 degrees Celsius so it's pretty cold still," Mr Dalton said.
While they kept an eye on those in the water it was an excellent opportunity for the volunteer lifeguards to get up to speed on club procedures and carry out a few practice water rescues.
At Mangawhai the action was similar, with most people choosing to remain on the beach but they "certainly weren't lying in the sun and sunbathing".
Paid guards would start duty in late December and complete six weeks at the beaches during the busy period.