Lifeguard presence to drop as school starts up

Wanganui Surf Lifesaving will reduce its beach patrols to weekends only after Waitangi Day.

Melanie Miller, spokesperson for Wanganui Surf Lifesaving, said with children returning to school weekday patrols would finish at the end of this week.

Mrs Miller said weekend patrols were likely to continue until the end of February.

"It really depends on the weather. If the weather breaks early, then they will finish early - there's little point in having guards there when there aren't many people on the beach."

Wanganui Surf Lifesaving guards patrol Castlecliff and Mowhanau beaches over the summer months.

Mrs Miller said the beaches had been very busy this summer, but people had generally been well-behaved.

"We haven't had too many reports of bad behaviour. Most people have been swimming between the flags and following the lifeguards' advice," she said.

There are around 20 lifeguards in Whanganui, all of whom are volunteers.

"Most of them have other jobs. Some of our senior guards have had to work every day this summer."

Mrs Miller said the club is always on the lookout for strong swimmers who would like to train as lifeguards and training starts in October each year.

If you are interested, email wanganuisurflifesaving@outlook.com.