Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) surf lifeguards had a busy Christmas weekend, responding to incidents and carrying out thousands of preventative actions to keep beachgoers safe. Over the past week, surf lifeguards recorded more than 89,000 people were involved in preventative actions and they conducted multiple rescues.

General Manager - Lifesaving Andy Kent says the weekend highlights the importance of surf lifeguard patrols during the busy summer period.

“Surf lifeguards are there to monitor conditions and support people at the beach,” Kent says. “Their work ensures risks are managed and incidents are responded to quickly when they occur.”

Kent adds that high beach attendance over the holiday period increases the potential for incidents. “Patrols are in place to manage busy areas and assist anyone in difficulty. The presence of trained Surf lifeguards is a key part of keeping beaches safe,” he says.

He also reminds the public to take responsibility for their own safety. “Swimming between the flags and following lifeguard guidance reduces risk for everyone. Most of our work involves preventative actions and keeps people safe before anything happens.”

Beachgoers can use Safe Swim to check conditions, and to confirm whether a beach is patrolled by surf lifeguards.

National patrol statistics – from patrol opening Labour weekend, until now (weekend after Christmas)

Weekend statistics

Surf lifeguards patrolling this weekend (Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 December) performed 13 rescues across the country, as well as 31 assists to safety, 10 major first aids, and 914 preventative actions involving almost 54,000 people.

The weekend’s operations included:

Saturday:

• Surf lifeguards from Kariaotahi supported eagle helicopter in transporting the located missing jetski operator from Port Waikato/Waikato River back to the surf club.
• Surf lifeguards at Piha attended to a patient with a head injury, providing immediate care and helping them back to the club for assessment by ambulance personnel.
• Surf lifeguards at Whangamata, off duty at the time, assisted a person with a hip injury and ensured they were safely handed over to ambulance services.
• Surf lifeguards at Mount Maunganui responded to a 62-year-old woman who had fallen on the base walking track around Mauao, providing first aid and monitoring her condition until help arrived.
• Surf lifeguards administered first aid to a patient with an ankle injury, treating them on site to stabilise their condition.
• Surf lifeguards assisted Police and Ambulance staff to manage and provide care to an intoxicated person.
• Surf lifeguards at Waimārama responded to a person with a dislocated shoulder.

Sunday:

• Surf lifeguards at Baylys assisted two people struggling in the water, with one requiring ambulance transport.
• Surf lifeguards at Raglan responded to an overdue surfer, who was later found safe in the carpark.
• Surf lifeguards at Bethells cared for a 55-year-old female who collapsed and seized, monitoring her until ambulance arrival
• Surf lifeguards at Mount Maunganui assisted eight people back to shore near Leisure and Motuhoa Islands.
• Surf lifeguards at Hot Water Beach monitored a patient with an anaphylactic reaction and extended patrols by two hours due to high beach numbers.
• Surf lifeguards at Whangamata responded to a 74-year-old female who lost consciousness.
• Surf lifeguards at Mount Maunganui responded to a 43-year-old male with a suspected stroke.
• Surf lifeguards at Foxton, Paekakariki, and Titahi Bay managed high beach attendance, performing multiple rescues and extending patrols where needed

Aggregated patrol statistics (21-28 December):

© Scoop Media