Surf lifeguards have already carried out 240 rescues this patrol season, more than double last year’s early-season total, as summer begins.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand says the jump comes from a mix of dangerous conditions and heavy beach crowds, not worse behaviour.

The figures cover the period from Labour Weekend to the weekend before Christmas, with 127 more rescues than the same timeframe in 2024.

Lifeguards also logged 74 more assists, seven more major first aids, and eight more searches.

SLSNZ GM Lifesaving Andy Kent says warmer-than-usual weather has drawn more people into the water, while rips and currents have been risky, especially around sandbanks and channels.

“Every rescue represents someone who needed help, and in many cases, someone who may not have made it back to shore without intervention,” Kent says.

For Hibiscus Coast beachgoers heading into the New Year stretch, SLSNZ is urging simple steps, swim between the red and yellow flags, choose patrolled beaches, check conditions before getting in, and never swim alone.

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

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