Photo: supplied / Surf Life Saving New Zealand
Surf Lifesaving New Zealand is urging beachgoers to take extra care as the summer's beach surf lifeguard patrols wind down across the country.
Paid surf lifeguards, who patrol beaches on weekdays from November to March, finished up on Friday.
Volunteer surf lifeguards will continue patrolling beaches during weekends and on public holidays until Easter.
National coastal safety manager Tom Kearny said it was more critical than ever that swimmers carefully assess the conditions before entering the water.
"The majority of people who get into trouble, in the water, at the beach, they tend to overestimate their ability and underestimate the conditions. They also tend to not have a very good understanding or concept of the risks that are involved and the hazards that are present, on the beach and in the water," he said.
"Between July 2023 and June 2024, 42 people lost their lives on our coastline - each one is a tragedy.
"As surf lifesaving wraps up for the summer, we urge everyone who's going to the beach just to check the conditions - when they get there, take a couple of minutes make sure they understand what the water's doing. If they're in any doubt at all, just don't get in - stay out."
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