With surf lifeguards returning to Mount Maunganui, Omanu, and Pāpāmoa beaches this Labour Weekend, beachgoers are being urged to follow some simple but potentially life-saving safety advice.

Eastern Region lifesaving manager Chaz Gibbons-Campbell said key messages this summer were knowing how to float, finding the safest place to swim, knowing how to get help, taking care of others, and finally, if in doubt, stay out of the water.

“The biggest message we’re pushing this year is knowing how to float,” he said. “If you get into trouble, floating allows you to calm yourself, keep your airway clear, and then signal for help.”

Gibbons-Campbell also encouraged swimmers to head to lifeguarded beaches and use the SafeSwim website (safeswim.org.nz) to find the safest spots and check for potential hazards.

“The SafeSwim system now uses real-time data and weather forecasting to assess risk,” he said. “Even when lifeguards aren’t on patrol, people can check the site for updated conditions.”

Swimmers are reminded to head to a lifeguarded beach and swim between the flags over summer. Photo / Mead Norton

Lifeguards will patrol Mount Maunganui, Omanu, and Pāpāmoa beaches from 11am to 4pm across Labour Weekend. Paid lifeguards will be covering weekdays during the peak summer period, while volunteers will patrol on weekends.

Tay Street will have paid lifeguards during the peak of summer, while Pāpāmoa East will have paid lifeguards all the way through, Gibbons-Campbell said.

The Tay Street tower will be in place at the end of November, with the patrol starting there on December 6.

“Our teams have completed refresher days to ensure everyone is certified and ready to go, and we’re employing 140 staff this season.”

He noted that while last summer saw calmer conditions, this year could be different.

“We’re expecting more swell and stronger winds as weather patterns shift. People need to respect the ocean and know their limits. If in doubt, stay out.”

Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving Club senior lifeguard and patron Donal Boyle. Photo / Brydie Thompson.

Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving Club senior lifeguard and patron Donal Boyle echoed that message, urging swimmers to stay within their capabilities and always choose patrolled beaches.

“From Labour Weekend onwards, there’ll be flags up on weekends,” Boyle said. “If you’re swimming in the evenings, each club has lifeguards training around 5 to 6pm, so that’s a good time to go in the water with extra eyes around.”

Boyle reminded the public of the rescue buoys placed at beach accessways, a recommendation from the coroner to improve coastal safety.

“If you see someone in trouble, call 111 and ask for police. That activates our call-out squads, who are available outside regular patrol hours,” he said.

He added that Omanu opens its club to the public every Friday evening from Labour Weekend to Easter with a food truck and bar — creating a welcoming space for families to enjoy the beach safely.

Both Boyle and Gibbons-Campbell reinforced the importance of speaking with lifeguards, swimming between the flags, and using the available tools to make informed decisions.

“It should be a good, hot summer,” Gibbons-Campbell said. “If we can get people knowing how to float, heading to the Safeswim website and checking for local hazards, that would be cool. And then obviously love to see them out between the flags, and our lifeguards will be there to keep an eye on them.”