James was training with lifeguards at Castlecliff this week and said the message about swimming between the flags this summer is well worth repeating.
"Always talk to the guards," he said.
"Young children should always have someone with them at the beach but groups of older children can always ask guards for advice or lessons if they are not too busy."
Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) has issued warnings about rip currents or rips at the beach this summer.
"It is best to not swim in those areas at all," said James.
"Even strong, experienced swimmers can get into trouble."
SLSNZ chief executive Paul Dalton said lifeguards across the country have already conducted a number of rip-related rescues this season.
"Recent data tells us rips are one of the main causes of incidents and fatal drownings on New Zealand beaches. It's also worth noting that, over the last 10 years, 39 per cent of fatal drownings in the coastal environment [up to 1km offshore] occurred on surf beaches, which are notorious for rips," he said.
A rip is a narrow body of water moving out to sea like a river. The currents are caused by complex interactions between the ocean – such as tides and swell – and the shape of the seabed.
SLSNZ national coastal safety manager and seasoned surf lifeguard, Mick Kearney, said there are several things beachgoers can look for to help identify a rip, including calm patches in the surf.
"A patch in the surf with fewer breaking waves might look safe to swim in, but this is often a clear sign that a rip is present," Kearney said.
"If you see areas of deeper, darker water, or a rippled surface surrounded by smooth water, think of it as a river within the surf. Also look out for anything floating out to sea or foamy, discoloured water flowing out beyond the waves. The discolouration is created by the current picking up sand in the water as it moves out to sea."
James Newell said swimming between the flags is always the preferable option.
