Despite a slow start to summer, the numbers rescued on New Zealand beaches look likely to exceed last years tally.
Surf Lifeguards have saved 1,574 lives since this summer compared with 1,709 lives for the whole of last summer.
Patrols began at Labour weekend and in most parts of the country will continue until Easter.
Despite a slow start to summer, the numbers rescued on New Zealand beaches look likely to exceed last years tally.
Surf Lifeguards have saved 1,574 lives since this summer compared with 1,709 lives for the whole of last summer.
Patrols began at Labour weekend and in most parts of the country will continue until Easter.
“The weather over the Christmas holiday period meant there were less beach going days but when there was a fine day the beaches were inundated, says Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) CEO Geoff Barry. “When we have good weather the beach is still our favourite playground in the summer.
“Generally the wind this summer has been moderate so we haven’t had long sustained periods of strong surf on either the west or east coast beaches, which has made for more consistent beach conditions this summer.
With another four weeks of beach patrols last years rescue tally is likely to be passed.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s Beach Education programme is also close to finishing. Nearly 46,000 children from 447 primary schools attended in
December and February.
Regional Statistics:
- Auckland; 840
- Bay of Plenty; 298
- Canterbury; 205
- Gisborne; 32
- Hawkes Bay; 15
- Otago; 44
- Taranaki; 37
- Wellington/Manawatu; 103