For immediate release

Plea for beach-goers to stay safe this long weekend

Surf Life Saving Northern Region (SLSNR) lifeguards are concerned at the number of beachgoers putting themselves in danger when swimming at patrolled beaches, outside of patrol hours.

This follows a hectic and tragic Anniversary Weekend for the Region which saw a fatal drowning at Ruakaka and 85 people rescued or assisted after getting into trouble in the water.

SLSNR operations manager Adam Wooler says the upturn in rescues marred what had so far been a good summer for safe behaviour on the Region’s beaches. “We felt our earlier calls for more responsible use of beaches were being heeded and the majority of beachgoers were acting sensibly in the water – but a small minority are still taking risks and this needs to stop.

“Of particular concern is that the major incidents occurred outside of patrol hours which significantly increases the time it takes for our off-duty lifeguards to respond, and puts more pressure on our volunteers who’ve already been on the job for many hours.”

With another long weekend on the way and the promise of further fine weather, Wooler says he’s hoping the Anniversary Weekend issues aren’t repeated.

“We’re expecting the beaches to be packed as people make up for lost time after the patchy summer we’ve had. To the public’s credit, we have seen a significant improvement in beachgoer behaviour, people are listening, and having a better time for it. For the few who still fail to apply basic common sense, making bad decisions, we hope they learn from last weekend’s preventable incidents.”

The fatality at Ruakaka was especially challenging for lifeguards and the community, says Wooler. “We were deeply impacted by the tragedy. SLSNR, Watersafe Auckland, Police and other community groups worked closely with crab- and rock-fishers at that exact location educating them on safe practices that would ultimately prevent tragedies such as the one that happened last weekend. There were strong expectations that the message had got across.

“Our thoughts are with the family of the victim at this time; however, we don’t want to see further tragedies and need to repeat: if you are a non-swimmer and choose to fish outside patrolled hours at remote locations you are taking huge risks. We urge them again to act sensibly.”

Wooler says the standard messages apply for all beachgoers. “Enjoy the beach but please also be safe. Swim during patrol hours, and always check the conditions. If you’re at the beach after patrol hours - know your limits. If you’re at an unfamiliar location, check with the locals about the conditions and the safest place to swim.”

To find out beach patrol hours, please check the SLSNR website.

Ends

TOP TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE ON THE BEACH THIS WAITANGI WEEKEND

• Choose a patrolled beach and swim between the flags.

• Get a friend to swim with you - never swim or surf alone.

• Watch out for that rip. Rips are calm, deep patches of water close to shore that can sometimes have waves breaking to the side. Rippled, discoloured or foamy water with debris can also mean there is a rip present – so don’t swim there! Only swim where waves are breaking.

• Be smart around rocks. Whether fishing or exploring at the beach, rocky outcrops can be very dangerous in large surf. When fishing, always wear a lifejacket. Never stand on a rock outcrop that is already wet (a sure sign waves will be washing over it) and always face the ocean; never turn your back on the sea.

• Always keep a very close eye on children in or near the water. Don’t overestimate you or your children’s ability to cope in the conditions. Preferably be in the water next to them at all times on a surf beach.

• If you’re away from home, check with the locals and ask them about the conditions and the safest place to swim.

• Know your limits and if in doubt, stay out of the water!

• If you spot someone in trouble at an unpatrolled beach, ensure your own safety and ring 111 and ask for the Police.

• Listen to the advice of lifeguards – they are the experts in keeping you safe at the beach.

© Scoop Media