Surf lifesavers are kept busy as more people flock to beaches

Record numbers of beach goers and rescues this summer have left lifeguards shattered.

Former lifeguard tired of pleading with parents to supervise kids, so she designed an app.

EDITORIAL: Beach lifeguards are volunteers who deserve to be respected.

A Bethells Beach lifeguard was abused by a swimmer when trying to guide him to safety.

Whangamata Beach was closed due to a shark sighting between 12.45pm and 1.45pm today.

Volunteer lifeguards hailed after dozens of surf rescues over the weekend.

A study at Mt Maunganui beach suggests rip currents are far more complex than we think.

Dozens of people were rescued and treated at Auckland's west coast beaches today.

There has been a spike of rescues at Karioitahi Beach in the south of Auckland.

Piha Surf Life Saver Jonathan Webber tells how to stay safe in the water this summer. Video / Michael Craig

A dinghy has been found but a missing fisherman was not with it

The surf life-saving season starts. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Two women have praised the life-saving efforts of Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust.

Drones to help Lifesavers at the famously dangerous Muriwai Beach.

Drones are making themselves useful for saving lives.

Lifeguards warn campaigns to attract visitors to the regions increase the drowning risk.

Three pohutukawa on Moturiki Island honour memory of young man swept away last year.

Jetboats struggled against the flow of water through Edgecumbe today.

Three good Samaritans have saved a pregnant woman from drowning at Port Waikato.

Hauraki Mayor John Tregidga met with locals in Whiritoa, as they band together after being hit with 260mm of rain in the past 24 hours. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Former rugby league international Mark Bourneville will find himself in unfamiliar territory at the World Masters Games.

Sharks have been caught sun-bathing in the calm tepid waters off Ruakaka - in northern New Zealand.

CHILL OUT: Lucy Langeluddecke, left, and Komisi Bloomfield enjoyed One Love's line-up. PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER 040217aw20bop.JPG By Sandra

In just two months almost 23,000 people in this southeast Queensland tourist hot spot have been stung by jellyfish.

The teenage lifeguard who saved three young boys from a rip, admits he was terrified someone was about to die.

The search for a missing boatie on the Kapiti Coast has been suspended.

The search for second person, who is still missing after an inflatable boat capsized in a river on the Kapiti Coast, will resume this morning.

It's the candle that smells like chicken. And it's back for a good cause.

What happens when a town triples in size overnight? Made with funding from NZ On Air.