Surf Lifesaving New Zealand's advice on how to survive a rip, Sam and Donna. Video / TSB
Eastern region surf lifesavers are bracing for more rescues heading into Christmas, with forecast larger swells and stronger winds expected to create more rips as holidaymakers arrive.
Eastern regional lifesaving manager Chaz Gibbons-Campbell told the Bay of Plenty Times swell conditions were forecast to start building from Wednesday evening into Thursday and Friday.
“As the swell develops it will push a significant amount of water toward the shore, which will likely cause more rip currents as that water funnels back out to sea.”
Gibbons-Campbell said weather conditions were expected to improve later in the week, heading into the Christmas holidays, but there would still be “a lot of wave energy and water moving around” so people should take care before heading into the surf.
“While the swell is not expected to be massive [around 1m or possibly up to 1.5m] the combination of the better weather and a lingering swell often leads to more rescues,” he said.
Along Tauranga’s coastline, “inshore gutters” remained a concern, Gibbons-Campbell said.
“These gutters fill with water during high tide, and as the tide recedes, that water funnels along the beach and exits through deeper channels in the surf.
“With low tides forecast for the afternoons this week when beachgoer numbers tend to peak, strong rip currents are expected.”
Surf Life Saving NZ eastern region lifesaving manager Chaz Gibbons-Campbell. Photo / NZME
Gibbons-Campbell urged beachgoers to swim and surf at lifeguard-patrolled beaches and never alone.
“Most people get into difficulties around low tide times of the day and get caught off guard by the strong undertow or the rip currents that form parallel to the beach.”
He said volunteer lifeguard patrols were on duty during weekends until February, with the larger clubs extending coverage until the end of March, and there were council-funded weekday patrols at Hot Water Beach, Whangamatā, Mount Maunganui, Tay Street, Ōmanu and Pāpāmoa.
MetService meteorologist John Law said an area of low pressure was sinking closer to the north of the country on Tuesday and would be generating swell as it moved closer towards the country.
Law said the highest swells of about 3m would be around the eastern coast of the North Island and swells of around 0.5m were forecast in the Bay of Plenty.
Stronger winds were also expected on Tuesday, especially, in the most eastern parts of the region, and these would help develop “some rough seas”, he said.
Swells of around 1m were forecast for Wednesday to Friday, Law said.
“Swell is often driven by weather systems some distance away so even when the weather is settled the swells can take some time to dissipate and ease, so it’s always wise to check the conditions before hitting the beach.”
He encouraged people heading to the coast over Christmas to stay up to date with the latest MetService forecasts and information about local conditions from surf lifesavers.
Assess the conditions for your ability: Visit safeswim.org.nz to check beach safety information. Many beaches are patrolled seven days a week.
Know how to float: Floating can increase your chances of survival if caught in a rip.
Look after others: Always keep children within arm’s reach.
Know how to call for help: If you see someone in trouble, dial 111 and ask for police.
Sandra Conchie is a senior journalist at the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post who has been a journalist for 24 years. She mainly covers police, court and other justice stories, as well as general news. She has been a Canon Media Awards regional/community reporter of the year.
