Long weekend the last for lifesavers

Lifeguards on patrol on Omanu beach. Photo/file

This Easter long weekend marks the official end to the Surf Life Saving season this year.

Traditionally, volunteer weekend patrols begin at Labour Weekend in October and continue through to Easter for most areas of the North Island, including Mount Maunganui and Papamoa. In other parts of the country, where the weather is cooler, patrols have already ended.

Since the season began at Labour weekend, surf lifeguards have spent over 208,000 hours patrolling New Zealand's beaches and have rescued 1255 people nationwide.

With lifeguards no longer having a presence on our beaches, Surf Lifesaving New Zealand urges people to take more responsibility for their own safety in and around the water.

- Always keep a very close eye on children in or near the water.
- 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.
- Don't overestimate you or your children's ability to cope in the conditions. Even waist deep water can be life threatening if you step in a hole or get hit by a large wave. Preferably be in the water next to them at all times on a surf beach.
- Stop and think; when is the last time I had to swim 200m non-stop?
- Know what the environment can dish up and whether you're equipped to handle it
- If in doubt- stay out.