Family members of a missing teenager were keeping an emotional vigil on a Northland beach last night - the latest incident in a horror start to the holiday season in the water.

The woman, in her 20s, fell down a steep cliff and into the river below, striking her head on the way down.

As thousands of holidaymakers get set to hit the beach and boaties prepare to launch, warnings are being issued about staying safe.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) says people should keep in mind a few safety tips to ensure they and their families get through the summer injury-free.

The search for a Warkworth fisherman who has been missing for more than a week is continuing.

Maritime safety agencies and police will be out in force at launching ramps and jetties over Labour weekend to explain Auckland Council's new rules on wearing life jackets in small boats.

As thousands of Kiwis prepare their boats to make a splash over summer, fishing expert Nicky Sinden has urged boaties to ensure their journeys don't sink before their vessels even hit the water.

The surf club guarding one of the country's most dangerous rip-torn beaches says it is losing efficiency and members.

Auckland Council's new rule on wearing lifejackets in small boats kicks in at Labour Weekend but needs a law change before it can be enforced with the issuing of tickets.

The Ice Water Challenge, where participants are doused with a bucket of ice cold water, is potentially fatal - even without alcohol, a doctor warns.

Surf lifesavers carried out nearly 40 per cent fewer rescues over summer compared with the year before, a figure attributed to unpredictable weather.

A surf boat crew will stage a symbolic row down Auckland's North Shore tomorrow, as they prepare for a commemorative international race in Turkey next year.

Exclusive: When 5-year-old Tre-Vaughn Dysart saw his classmate slip underwater his instincts kicked in.

Darryl Rolton wouldn't hesitate to help a mate in trouble. That instinctive nature cost the Christchurch man his life on Saturday when he leapt 11 metres off the Maruia Falls.

Motorists and beach-goers are again being urged to keep an eye on a king tide that has caused issues in recent days.

King tides are due to wash up on Auckland's shores just after 10am today, and the New Zealand Transport Agency is warning people to take extra care on coastal roads.

King tides lure dozens out to play but expert warns people to take care in the current.