Beachgoers are being urged to stay safe this summer, with lifeguards already gearing up this long weekend.
Surf Life Saving northern region volunteers will be out in force at beaches from Northland to Raglan, starting off summer patrols which will run through to Easter.
A special pre-season rescue exercise was held yesterday at Muriwai Beach to show the work lifeguards do while on duty. Volunteers used inflatable boats, jet skis and other life-saving equipment in the choppy waters to demonstrate a rescue.
Surf Life Saving Northern Region spokesman David Butt said they were preparing for a busy summer thanks to an expected El Nino weather system. According to the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) group, the El Nino forecast could lead to increased winds - and therefore more rips and bigger waves - on the west coast. The warmer weather on the east coast would also get more people out to beaches in those areas.
Mr Butt said the key message to the public was the well-known rule at beaches: Swim between the flags.
