Beach gets lifeguard tower

Surf Lifesaving New Zealand have erected a new lifeguard tower to help patrol the Tay St beach at Mount Maunganui this summer. Eastern region lifesaving and education manager Leigh Sefton checks out the view. Photo / John Borren

A new lifeguard tower has been erected on one of the Bay's busiest beaches in response to increased demand from swimmers ahead of the summer season.

The Surf Lifesaving New Zealand tower was installed at Tay St beach at Mount Maunganui yesterday in time for the beginning of Surf Lifesaving New Zealand paid patrols in the area, which start on Christmas Day.

Eastern region lifesaving and education manager Leigh Sefton said the tower would be a huge help as a base for lifeguards working over the summer patrolling the area.

The tower, which is owned by Surf Lifesaving New Zealand, is usually stored out the back of the Mount Maunganui club when it's not being used for sport events. Mr Sefton said it made sense to bring it out to help patrol the area, which had experienced a surge in demand for lifeguard services in recent years.

During the 2011/12 summer lifeguarding season, seven people were rescued from the Tay St area by surf lifesavers.

"We've seen a steady increase in population in that particular area. The dairy and the cafe across the road have helped in the increase but also the housing in that particular area," Mr Sefton said.

He said lifeguards were responding to the demand not just with the tower but also with an extended patrol season of three-and-a-half weeks.

Last summer lifeguard callouts and rescues reached record breaking levels, with 171 rescues performed from Mount Maunganui, Omanu and Papamoa clubs.

Mr Sefton said Tay St beach was not overtly dangerous but had been a comparatively high-risk area in previous years because of the lack of a lifeguard base. "Last year, the whole coastline between Leisure Island and Papamoa East was so busy."

Weekday Regional Lifeguard Service dates:

* Mt Maunganui: Monday, December 14, 2015 to Friday, February 5, 2016: 10am-6pm

* Tay St: Friday, December 25, 2015 to January 5, 2016: 10.30am-5.30pm

* Omanu Beach: Monday, December 14, 2015 to Friday, February 5, 2016: 10am-6pm

* Papamoa Beach: Monday, December 14, 2015 to Friday, February 5, 2016: 10am-6pm