Tairāwhiti’s paid lifeguards hit the beaches for extended season

The district's week-day paid surf lifeguards have begun their duties for the summer. Back Row (left to right): Jonty Evans, Theo Weatherly, Sean Gray, Edan Wilson, Freya Wilson, Tyron Evans. Front Row (left to right): Nikau Rudge, Sonny Poulter, Charlie Keepa, Clayden Hope, Matahari Richards, Tyler Ranger.

Tairāwhiti’s council-funded surf lifeguards officially kicked off the summer season on Monday with full site inductions across the city’s patrolled beaches Wainui, Waikanae, and Midway.

The team, made up primarily of local lifeguards, will receive additional support from Bay of Plenty and United Kingdom lifeguards during the peak summer period.

“The lifeguards are excited to be back on the beach and are looking forward to seeing many whānau out enjoying our beautiful moana safely between the flags this summer,” Surf Life Saving NZ eastern regional lifesaving manager Chaz Gibbons-Campbell said.

Gibbons-Campbell said increased funding from Gisborne District Council allowed for patrols to be extended by an additional week, until January 24, 2025.

“The extension is a fantastic outcome for our community, ensuring whānau can enjoy those hot summer days under the watchful eyes of trained professionals," he said.

The summer crop of paid surf lifeguards were put through their paces in training and here at Waikanae that included safe use of the ATVs the surf clubs operate.

“Special thanks go to Belinda Slement, Kevin Weatherley, Clara Wilson, Nigel Hope, John Cameron, and Gina Carroll for their efforts in making the induction day for the lifeguards a success.

“The ongoing support of local surf clubs and their dedicated volunteers, who provide equipment and time, is essential to making the paid lifeguard service possible.”

The lifeguards patrol Monday to Friday through the peak of summer, and the volunteers at the club look after the weekends.

Key safety messages for beachgoers from SLSNZ

• Kimihia te wāhi haumaru rawa ki te kaukau / Find the safest place to swim.
• Anyone heading to the beach is advised to check www.safeswim.org.nz to find a lifeguarded beach and always swim between the red and yellow flags. Surf lifeguards are there to keep swimmers safe, constantly scanning for hazards or people in difficulty, staying on top of weather forecasts, and monitoring the swell and tide conditions.
• Tiakina te tangata/ Take care of others.
• Always keep tamariki (children) within arm’s reach in or near the water. Waves can move quickly and unexpectedly, knocking tamariki off their feet and sweeping them away. Everyone has different ability levels, so people should watch their mates too.
• Mehemea e rangirua ana, me noho ki waho/ If in doubt, stay out.
• Waves can be bigger than they appear, rip currents are difficult to spot, and weather conditions can change suddenly. If feeling unsure or unsafe about entering the water, stay out. It’s always better to be safe than sorry - too many people get into trouble by overestimating their abilities and underestimating the conditions.