Surf Life Saving New Zealand are bringing forward the start o professional surf lifesaving services in Tauranga early following high visitor numbers and a string of serious incidents along the coastline.
The Paid Lifeguard Service is set to roll out from Monday December 1, with volunteer patrols commencing from Saturday November 29.
The decision is a response to “rapidly changing beach conditions” and a “significant rise in serious incidents”, including a fatality at Mount Maunganui Beach yesterday where a man was pulled from the water unconscious and died at the scene.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand Eastern Regional Manager Avan Pola said the early activation was “essential” to protect the public and save lives.
“Despite the surface looking picture-perfect, we are seeing strong lateral flows and active rip channels forming beneath,” he said.
“These hidden risks are catching swimmers off guard, and we’ve already seen multiple serious incidents in the past few days alone, including one fatal drowning.
“Our beaches are a treasured part of community life, and we want everyone to enjoy them safely.”
Under the accelerated plan, SLSNZ would deploy three mobile patrol teams every afternoon from Mount Maunganui to Papamoa.
Each team would include two qualified lifeguards equipped with an ATV for rapid movement, a rescue board, and either an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) or Rescue Water Craft.
Tauranga Deputy Mayor Jen Scoular said Tauranga City Council supported the decision to start the service early.
“The recent events highlight how quickly beach conditions can change, and our thoughts are with those affected by these incidents,” she said.
She commended the “vital” work from SLSNZ to keeping beaches safe, and said the council were “committed to supporting this important service”.
