KEY POINTS:
Volunteer surf lifeguards gathered up their red and yellow flags yesterday after the last day of the season, thankful that despite one of the busiest summers on record, no swimmers drowned on northern beaches while they were patrolled.
The 1200 lifeguards patrolling 21 beaches from Raglan to the Far North saved 960 lives this season - 48 per cent up on last year - said northern region lifesaving manager Dean Storey.
Since Labour Weekend, lifeguards carried out 153,962 safety interventions - up by 60 per cent. They gave first aid to 751 people and conducted 147 searches.
"The incredible weather this season has meant extra pressure on volunteer lifeguards, their equipment and resources," said Mr Storey.
Patrols would continue at South Piha beach on weekends until April 27.
That west coast club made 230 rescues, compared with 34 rescues by United North Piha Club, and other west coast clubs: Muriwai (130), Bethells-Te Henga (63), Karekare (38), Karioitahi (41), Sunset-Port Waikato (58) and Raglan (131).
Over on the east coast yesterday, at Orewa Beach, lifeguards Kelly McColl, 24, and Alaina Green, 19, watched 20 adults and children frolicking in warm and gentle surf.
"It's been a busy season with up to 1000 people in the water at peak times," said patrol captain Ms McColl.
The club's patrols worked 3233 hours for the season, during which they carried out 29 rescues, attended to 93 first aid cases, made 14 searches and 3370 safety interventions.
"We have our moments here, "said Ms McColl. "At Anniversary Weekend busloads of Pacific Island people turned up. They were not confident swimmers and we were short-handed with our team away competing in the championships.
"There are also the times when kids shoot off to the playground without telling mum. We have to get everyone to help search in the water everywhere and it's a long beach."
