Boogie boards and overconfidence can be a fatal mix

People on boogie boards have caused problems for lifeguards at Northland's patrolled surf beaches this summer.

People enjoying the surf in Northland this summer need to ensure they have the right equipment to stay safe, says Surf Life Saving northern region manager David Butt.

On Saturday 54-year-old Virginia Lee Smith, from Rawene, drowned after getting caught in a rip while boogie boarding at Takou Bay in the Far North.

People on boogie boards have also caused problems for lifeguards at Northland's patrolled surf beaches this summer.

"When you are using any equipment in water the best thing is to be prepared, especially with boogie boards," Mr Butt said. "Always use fins and have the strap on your wrist."

He said it was hard to know the biggest risk when playing in the water but young men were the group most at risk of drowning. "They overestimate their abilities and underestimate the conditions."

Water Safety NZ figures show that 72 per cent of those who drowned between 2008 and 2012 were male.

After a disappointing seven drownings this Christmas and New Year holiday period throughout New Zealand - and five in Northland since Christmas Day - water safety officials said more could be done to educate the public.

Surf lifesaving club captains said too many people did not realise that fins must be used with boogie boards in deeper water.

They said that people, especially children, can quickly get into trouble without fins to help propel them back to the shallows.

Water Safety chief executive Matt Claridge said boogie boards should carry safety instructions so people know how to use them properly.

"All toys that can be used in the water should carry information that relates to the safe use and enjoyment of them."

He said there was a personal responsibility for people to keep themselves and their children safe when using boogie boards.

"They are good toys for enjoyment in the water when used responsibly."

At The Warehouse this newspaper found boogie boards for sale which provided neither safety information nor guidelines.

The Warehouse spokeswoman Julia Bell said the retailer complied with New Zealand's safety laws and regulations. "As a customer-led business, the safety of our customers is a top priority for us."