Beachgoers urged to swim between the flags
Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) media release: 20th January 2025
Lifeguards performed 28 rescues this weekend as warmer weather attracted people to beaches up and down the motu.
People getting into trouble outside of the flags kept surf lifeguards busy in Christchurch. Waimairi surf lifeguards rescued two swimmers who were swimming outside the flagged area and became caught in strong winds on Saturday. Surf lifeguards at New Brighton’s North Beach rescued two people on Sunday who ran into difficulty while swimming outside the flagged area.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand General Manager Lifesaving Andy Kent, says while he’s pleased most people are swimming between the flags and while lifeguards are on duty, those who don’t are taking their life in their hands.
“The flagged area is the safest place to swim and where lifeguards put most of their focus.”
“If you swim outside of the flags or outside of duty hours you’re leaving an awful lot up to chance.”
With January traditionally being New Zealand’s most dangerous month in the water, Andy urges beachgoers to think about the impact of their drowning on those around them.
“Losing a life due to drowning is devastating for friends and whānau, the person’s community and the lifeguards involved in the incident, says Andy.
“Please weigh up the benefit of swimming outside of the flags or outside lifeguard hours with the risk you’re taking and the impact it would have on your friends and whānau if your luck were to run out,” says Andy.
Beachgoers can check what beaches in their area are lifeguarded and the hours surf lifeguards are on duty online or using the Swimsafe app.