Busy Day on Beaches

Media Release
15 January 2007

Busy Day on Beaches for Northern Region Surf Lifeguards

Thousands of people enjoyed good weather across Northern Region beaches yesterday proving a busy day for lifeguards.

Of the 17 patrolled beaches in the Northern Region, lifeguards performed 32 rescues, 14 first aids, 8 searches, and undertook 1062 preventative actions involving 4598 people.

Half of the beaches had up to 1000 people at peak times during the day, and several beaches extended their lifeguard patrolling hours from 5.00pm to 6.30pm due to the amount of people still enjoying the water.

Amazingly half of yesterday’s rescues were performed at Kariaotahi beach. Mike Lawrence, Head of lifesaving Kariaotahi, said that of those 17 rescues most were body boarders without correct gear and swimming outside of the flags.

Beach safety tips:
Always swim between the flags.
Listen to advice from lifeguards.
Always swim with a friend
Be aware of rip currents.
If you get into trouble raise your arm for assistance, float and wait for help.
Always wear fins when body boarding

ENDS

© Scoop Media