Surf Lifeguard Patrols begin Labour Weekend

Surf Lifeguards are set to begin patrols on our most popular beaches from Labour Weekend as the weather starts to warm up.

Traditionally, weekend patrols begin Labour weekend and continue through to Easter for most of the country, however some patrols may start a little later as the warmer weather find’s its way South.

Each season over 3,500 lifeguards volunteer to make our beaches a safer place. As the country’s hotspots begin to swell during school holidays - Surf Life Saving New Zealand increases patrols to seven days a week at our most populated beaches.

“Surf Life Saving is committed to making New Zealand beaches as safe as possible. With 160,000kms of coastline our beaches are our national playground. It’s about making our most popular playground safe for everyone – therefore we encourage beach-goers to know the basic safety rules before they hit the beach.” says Geoff Barry, CEO Surf Life Saving New Zealand.

Swim between the flags:
At a patrolled beach Surf Lifeguards have checked the conditions and put the red and yellow flags in the safest place to swim or play.

Always be aware around moving water:
Moving water is always a risk whether it’s at a surf beach or not. Water is pushed into the beach by waves and has to find a way back; the drag can catch people unaware even in relatively shallow water.

Be smart around rocks:
Whether fishing or exploring at the beach, rocky outcrops can be very dangerous in large surf. Don’t think the water will wash around you as moving water is always powerful. Never stand on a rock outcrop that is wet – a sure sign waves will be washing over it. Always face the sea, never turn your back to it, and always have a clear escape path to safe ground.

Be sun smart:
Remember to apply sunscreen before you go out into the sun and reapply every hour after you have been in the water.

Never swim or surf alone:
When you head into the water, you need to make sure that you have someone with you so you can help each other keep safe in the surf.

For more information go to: www.surflifesaving.org.nz.

Editor’s Notes:
SLSNZ has been patrolling beaches since 1910. Last season Surf Lifeguards performed over 1680 rescues, performed 111,225 preventative actions and made 354,896 safety interventions. Surf Lifeguards’ spent a combined total of 183,350 hours patrolling our beaches to help make our favourite playground a safer place.