Lifeguards required earlier

November 30, 2025

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Surf lifeguards in Tauranga have begun patrolling earlier than planned after large crowds and dangerous conditions caused serious incidents along the coast. The professional lifeguard service was moved forward to start on Monday, 1 December, with volunteer lifeguards beginning Saturday, 29 November.

Avan Pola, Eastern Regional Manager for Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ), explained that although the sea may look calm, strong side currents and rip tides are forming underneath, catching swimmers by surprise.

To keep beachgoers safe, three mobile lifeguard patrols will now cover the area from Mount Maunganui to Papamoa every afternoon. Each team will have two trained lifeguards with a rescue vehicle, board, and either a small rescue boat or watercraft.

Tauranga Deputy Mayor Jen Scoular supported the decision, saying it shows how quickly the ocean can become dangerous. She thanked the lifeguards for their important work and said the council would continue helping them protect the community.

SLSNZ is urging everyone to swim between the flags and take extra care near the water this summer.

Article written by Milli Banbury

This article was written using AI as an assistive tool for research, writing, and proofreading.
The te reo Māori version of this article was translated with AI assistance. While care has been taken to keep it accurate, if you spot anything that doesn't read quite right, please let us know

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Digital Thinking

Learning Options

Recall Questions

Thinking questions

Digital Thinking

After school on Wednesdays, the kapa haka group gathers in the hall. The students practise actions, singing, and timing so they can perform with confidence. Their tutor reminds them to stand tall, listen carefully, and move together as one group. Some students are new, while others have performed before, but everyone helps each other improve. As the weeks pass, the group becomes more organised and sure of themselves. The tutor says kapa haka is not only about the performance; it is also about teamwork, respect, and learning about culture.

What is the main idea of this passage?

Some students have performed before and some are new. The students gather in the hall after school on Wednesdays. The tutor tells students to stand tall and listen carefully. The kapa haka group learns teamwork, respect, and culture through practice.