Surf Life Saving
New Zealand (SLSNZ) is pleading with beachgoers to visit
safeswim.org.nz to
choose beaches patrolled by lifeguards, and always swim
between the red and yellow flags to prevent more beach
fatalities this summer.
SLSNZ’s Chief Operations
Officer Chris Emmett says, “Our hearts go out to those who
have lost a family member. All of the incidents this past
week have occurred outside of the patrol flags or outside of
patrol times and locations, and could have been
avoided.
“We have two long weekends, Auckland
Anniversary and Waitangi Day, coming up and we know people
will want to head to the beach. Last year our patrols
rescued 726 people, and despite a record number of drownings
across the country, there were no drownings between our red
and yellow flags.
“To keep yourself and your loved
ones safe, we ask you to head to a beach where there are
lifeguards and swim between the flags, as that’s the
safest place to swim.”
Beachgoers can check the
Safeswim website, see safeswim.org.nz for
patrol hours and locations; it has over 90 Lifeguard Patrol
locations across the country.
Chris Emmett says,
“Keep it safe, keep it smart, and stay within your limits.
Be sure to watch out for rip currents that can carry you
away from shore and be smart around rocks. Please don’t
overestimate your ability in the water, and never swim or
surf alone.”
If you observe someone in trouble in
the water, call 111 and ask for the Police. They are in
direct contact with all the marine rescue services around
the country.
Beach Safety Messages
- Go to
safeswim.org.nz to
choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red &
yellow flags. - Watch out for rip currents. They can
carry you away from shore. If caught in a rip, remember the
3Rs: *Relax and float, *Raise your hand to signal for help
and *Ride the rip until help arrives, or you can swim back
to shore - Read and understand the safety signs –
ask a surf lifeguard for advice, as beach conditions can
change regularly - Know your limits/ Don’t
overestimate your ability or underestimate the
conditions - Always keep a very close eye on young
children in or near the water. Keep children within arm’s
reach at all times - Get a friend to swim, surf or
fish with you - If in doubt, stay out!
- If you
see someone in trouble in the water, call 111 and ask for
the
Police
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