Beaches

Enjoying the beach should be both safe and fun, especially if you follow a few basic safety tips

New Zealand’s beaches are admired the world over for their beauty - but they can also be dangerous and deadly. Each year, thousands of people visit beaches to enjoy the recreational opportunities they provide - but sadly, several people die there every year and hundreds have to be rescued.

It is therefore extremely important to be aware of the dangers associated with beaches and take steps to remain safe. By following a few simple rules, your day at the beach can be safe and enjoyable for all involved.

Lifeguards or lifesavers patrol many beaches in New Zealand. These beaches usually also have red and yellow flags that mark the safest place to swim on the beach and the area where lifesavers and lifeguards patrol.

Rip Currents

Rip currents are powerful, channelled currents of water flowing away from shore. They can occur at any beach with breaking waves. Rip currents are often not readily or easily identifiable to the average beachgoer. For your safety, it's important to be aware of this major surf zone hazard. Look for any of the following clues, which may indicate the presence of rip currents:

• a channel of churning, choppy water
• an area having a notable difference in water colour
• a line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily seaward
• a break in the incoming wave pattern

  Rip Current Poster  (360K)

To enlarge and view the poster as a PDF click on the link above or visit our Resources page to order a hardcopy.

If you get caught in a rip, do not panic!

• Paddle and swim parallel to the shore toward the breaking waves, which should help you get back to the beach.
• Do not attempt to swim against the rip, as even the strongest swimmers will quickly become tired.
• If you do tire or become frightened, stay calm, raise your arm, call for help and wait for assistance.

Check out Surf Life Saving New Zealand ‘s website for more information by clicking on their logo and remember

ALWAYS SWIM BETWEEN THE FLAGS!

Resources are available from Water Safety New Zealand Inc