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.
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