Sea safety warning as patrols end

Surf Life Saving New Zealand ends its volunteer beach patrols this weekend, leaving those who brave the chilling waters to fend for themselves.

Lifeguards made nearly 1500 rescues this summer and volunteers put in more than 185,000 hours.

In their absence Surf Life Saving chief executive Geoff Barry urged people to remember basic water safety rules.

"It's not just on big surf beaches that people get into trouble. Statistics show a high number of swimmers get into difficulty at beaches with surf less than half a metre."

Some basic safety tips:
* Never swim or surf alone.
* Learn to recognise rip currents.
* Never swim when tired or cold.
* If in doubt - stay out.

- NZPA