Waipu Beach, a popular holiday destination in Northland, New Zealand, has seen a significant shift in water safety awareness this summer. According to Sarah Manning, a lifeguard with 76 patrolling hours under her belt, the beachgoers have shown a notable increase in receptivity to safety advice.
- Most people have been receptive to safety advice given by the lifeguards, which is a positive trend.
- However, the recent wild weather from Cyclone Tam has highlighted the importance of being aware of the changing conditions at the beach.
Manning pointed out that Kiwis choosing Waipu as their holiday spot likely grew up near the water and knew how to read the surf. She also highlighted that the beach’s unique environment, with its shallow waters and strong currents, requires a high level of caution from beachgoers.
“Those could have become rescues,” she said. “We’re seeing people taking the right precautions and being aware of their surroundings.”
Club captain at Whangārei Heads Surf Life Saving, Luke Morgan, shared his observations on the matter. “Strong water safety messaging could be having a positive impact,” he said. “I’ve seen lots of families with children choosing to swim between the flags during summer. Our young members are also being proactive in their messaging with the public.”
Morgan highlighted the importance of actively engaging with the public and encouraging them to move into the flags. “The main one is always speaking to [people], just making sure we’re actively talking to them and trying to get them to move into the flags.”
Although patrols are now stopped until the warmer months, Morgan emphasized the need for beachgoers to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. “The beach changes in the different seasons, so to keep a lookout, be aware of rips and obviously let somebody know if you’re going out.”
According to Manning, people going to the beach should always observe whether there are any rips, boat ramps, and surfers nearby before heading into the water. She also recommended checking the Safeswim website for information on different areas across Northland.
“It’s not just about being aware of your own safety, but also about being considerate of others,” she said.
| Safety Tips | Why |
|---|---|
| Always observe the beach before entering the water. | Be aware of rips, boat ramps, and surfers nearby. |
| Swim between the flags. | To minimize the risk of injury or drowning. |
| Let someone know if you’re going out. | To ensure someone knows your whereabouts and can raise an alarm if necessary. |
Quoted by Luke Morgan, “They’re just genuinely interested to know,” Manning said. “We’re not just here to enforce the rules, we’re here to educate and help people stay safe.”
Moreover, the recent wild weather from Cyclone Tam has highlighted the importance of being aware of the changing conditions at the beach. Algae had washed up on the beach and combined with larger swells, creating an unsafe environment.
Although patrols are now stopped until the warmer months, Morgan said there was still reason to be careful while out catching waves or going for a dip. “The beach changes in the different seasons, so to keep a lookout, be aware of rips and obviously let somebody know if you’re going out.”
“We’re not just talking about the surf, we’re talking about the weather, the tides, and the rip currents,” he emphasized.
“The main thing is to stay informed, stay vigilant, and stay safe,” he concluded.
According to Manning, the Safeswim website is an excellent resource for people looking to check the safety of different areas across Northland. “To check if it’s safe to swim in different areas, head to the Safeswim website,” she recommended.
“It’s not just about being aware of your own safety, but also about being considerate of others,” she emphasized.
As the beach season comes to a close, it’s essential to remember that water safety awareness is a year-round concern.
