Thousands flock to city and Wainui beaches at the weekend as temperatures soar

The hot weather on Saturday drew people to the beaches like bees to a honey pot and in Gisborne and Wainui the numbers were big — a 5000 head count peak at Wainui and 3000-plus from The Cut to the navigation beacon, but flat surf conditions meant safe, rescue-free swimming and fun. Picture by Murray Robertson

Gisborne’s beaches drew the crowds on Saturday and Sunday as temperatures climbed close to 30 degrees. Lifeguards at the three local clubs counted their blessings there was no appreciable swell.

Hordes of R&V festival-goers, other visitors and locals alike flocked to the beaches to cool off in the water.

Swimming conditions were ideal at the town beaches and at Wainui.

Wainui’s head count at 1pm on Saturday was around 4000 on the beach, and 1100 in the water between the southern and northern ends.

A 45-year club veteran said he had seen big crowds on the beach before but on Saturday he had never seen anything like it.

“Their vehicles were parked on every bit of available grass or tarmac from the Gisborne side of the Okitu Stream right through to the Whales Grave,” he said.

“It was truly amazing to see how many were out there.”

Midway head lifeguard Rama Robertson said their peak number was around 2000 people between Roberts Road and up near the navigation beacon.

“We took a  lot of preventative actions, and treated some people for minor medical issues, but there were no rescues needed.

“We were blessed there was no swell,” he said.

“Also, people were generally really well behaved and didn’t go out too deep.”

Riversun Wainui’s Kevin Weatherley said it was “certainly a big day out there”.

“I have to commend the crowd.

“We had no issues and all of them were keeping close to shore.

“There were a few preventative actions but really just advising swimmers of the conditions and what to be mindful about.

“The overall vibe was brilliant.

“We got a lot positive comments during our patrol, which is appreciated,” Mr Weatherley said.

The Sea-Doo jet ski rescue craft loaned to the district by Surf Life Saving NZ patrolled Wainui all day on Saturday.

Kaiaponi Farms Waikanae manager Clara Wilson said their peak head count from The Cut to Roberts Road was 1400. It was a bit quieter into the afternoon with around 500.

“The general mood was relaxed and happy and, other than a few sunburned bodies, no issues to report.

“There were lots of positive interactions between our guards and the public and our patrol teams enjoyed the busy day,” Mrs Wilson said.

“Our showers and phone charging services were busy all day.

“The visitors were cheerful and respectful.”

Beach numbers dropped away significantly on Sunday, New Year’s Eve, with the cloudy skies and the surf clubs reporting a much quieter day.

The peak count at Wainui around midday that day was about 1000 people on the beach, and 100-plus at any one time in the water.

That number declined as the afternoon wore on and the R&Vers headed back to the festival site for their final big night.

The numbers were down considerably on the city beaches.

“They didn’t venture down here much at all that day,”  Midway spokesman Rama Robertson said.

“It was a quieter day for sure.”

No incidents werereported at any of the beaches on Sunday.