Paid regional lifeguards who started patrolling five Northland beaches on December 24 will stop working at Whangarei Heads, Ruakaka and Baylys Beach today.

A police office's dramatic rescue of two boys and a man stuck in a rip at a Bay of Plenty beach is a reminder for water users to be aware of the dangers, police say.

Mount Maunganui lifeguard Callum Knox has achieved the highest award for surf lifeguards in New Zealand - with top marks.

A surfer in mid-30s was in a critical condition in Taranaki Base Hospital last night after being found floating beside his board in metre-deep water off the coast near New Plymouth.

Authorities have found the body of a teenage surf life saver who disappeared during a competition...