Surf lifeguards bracing themselves for busiest summer

A surf llifeguard keeps watch at Castlecliff Beach. Photo / Bevan Conley

Surf lifeguards around the country are preparing themselves for what could be the busiest lifesaving season on record as New Zealanders face a summer without the option of overseas holidays.

Covid-19 travel restrictions mean many Kiwis will be planning "staycations" this summer and SLSNZ volunteer lifeguards are encouraging beachgoers to familiarise themselves with key safety messages.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) chief executive Paul Dalton says the charity's volunteer lifeguards are passionate, highly-skilled individuals who pride themselves on keeping people safe at the beach. However, he cautions that it's not possible for surf life savers to be everywhere at once.

"Our surf lifeguards do an extraordinary job – they conduct hundreds of rescues and perform thousands of preventative actions on our beaches every year," he says.

"However, we're anticipating this summer to be incredibly busy. Tragically, we have already seen two fatalities in the last fortnight alone as people get out and enjoy the coastal environment. We're asking New Zealanders to do their part by choosing to go to lifeguarded beaches, and always swim between the red and yellow flags."

Paul says several recent incidents have involved people climbing on – or fishing from – rocks and that it's important for people to exercise caution, even if they're just exploring the coastline. Anyone fishing from the rocks should wear a lifejacket.

"If you see someone in trouble in the water, remember to call 111 and ask for the police," he says. "The police have a direct line to Surf Life Saving."

Surf lifeguards patrol more than 90 locations throughout Aotearoa at the peak of summer. Labour weekend marks the official start of patrol season for many sites. Additional patrols will roll out later in the season as warmer weather sets in.

Paul Dalton says one of the best ways beachgoers can support lifeguards over the busy summer season is by familiarising themselves with the key safety messages outlined below.

"Our volunteer surf lifeguards play a vital role in the communities they serve. We want everyone who visits the beach this summer to make it home to their loved ones at the end of the day."

Keep yourself and your loved ones safe at the beach by remembering these beach basics:

1. Choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
2. If caught in a rip, remember the 3Rs - Rip Survival Plan: RELAX and float to conserve energy; RAISE your hand to signal for help; and RIDE the rip until it stops and you can swim back to shore or help arrives.
3. Look for, read and understand the safety signs – ask a surf lifeguard for advice as beach conditions change.
4. Always keep a very close eye on young children in or near the water. Keep children within arm's reach at all times.
5. Know your limits. Don't overestimate your ability in the water or your children's ability to cope in the conditions.
6. Never swim, fish or surf alone.
7. If in doubt, stay out of the water!
8. When fishing from rocks, always wear a lifejacket and shoes with grip and don't turn your back to the sea.
9. If you see someone in trouble, call 111 and ask for Police as they have a direct line to Surf Life Saving New Zealand.
10. Be sun smart - slip, slop, slap and wrap. Protect your skin and eyes from the sun's damaging rays.