Photo: Cody Keepa for Surf Life Saving NZ
Surf Life Saving New Zealand is expecting a busy season ahead with what will be a long, hot summer.
The El Niño weather system combined with a warming western Indian Ocean, means a long, hot summer for northern parts of New Zealand is likely - and that means more beachgoers.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand chief executive Steve Fisher told Morning Report Labour weekend marked the start of the season.
"We're ready to go, we're pretty excited about it."
Fisher said Surf Life Saving had spent the winter months preparing gear and ensuring everyone was fit and had got their qualifications.
"Our volunteers are well prepared, trained and what they're there for is to ensure people can recreate safely so speak to them, find out what the beach is looking like, what the conditions are for that day and hazards to look out for.
"Everyone knows the saying 'swim between the flags' but it's still absolutely the best way that you can ensure you can enjoy your time in the water safely."
There had never been a drowning between the flags in over 100 years Surf Life Saving had been around, he said.
Some Surf Life Saving clubs were damaged in the storms earlier this year.
Fisher said they were working with a number of them to refurbish or rebuilt them. Others have temporary clubs up and running.
"We're in conversations with the government and others for longer term, just about some longer term planning and rebuild work."
