Surf Life Saving New Zealand rescued 883 people from potential drowning this past summer, according to official patrol statistics.

The data, collected from 1 October 2023 to 3 May 2024, came from 74 Surf Life Saving Clubs across 92 patrol locations via the Surf Life Saving Communications Centre. 

“Most of the rescues this season occurred north of Waikato, likely due to higher volumes of people and numerous holiday hotspots,” SLSNZ CEO, Steve Fisher, says.

“However, beaches were busy around the country, with fine weather and warm temperatures luring thousands to the coastline.”

While the number of rescues decreased compared to last season, preventative actions increased by over 10,000 to 40,506.

“Increasingly, a lot of what surf lifeguards are doing is preventative work. 

“This is when surf lifeguards take a proactive approach and prevent things from escalating to something more serious. 

“For example, beachgoers may be about to enter an area where a rip is, and surf lifeguards ask them to move to a different area.”

During this patrol season, surf lifeguards dedicated 240,725 hours to patrolling, with a notable rise in requests for extended patrol hours. 

“In Auckland, some volunteer patrols kept the red and yellow flags up until 8pm on weekends. 

“While surf lifeguards are there to keep watch over beachgoers, extended patrols do put a strain on our surf lifeguards as they are giving up their own valuable time. 

“It’s something Surf Life Saving Clubs must balance as they look to protect their communities and their members welfare.”

Surf Life Saving Clubs also reported an increase in first aid incidents, with surf lifeguards performing 206 major and 1,487 minor first aids. 

The Eastern Region, covering Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne, saw a rise in spinal injuries and dislocated limbs.

“Along the North Island’s east coast intense weather systems have disrupted and changed sand banks which can be dangerous, especially for swimmers and bodyboarders. 

“However, surf lifeguards are equipped to deal with situations like this as they’re all trained in first aid and work closely with Hato Hone St John when needed.”

In addition to lifeguarding, SLSNZ provides emergency search and rescue services, coastal safety assessments, public education, member education, and training and development. 

“We have an incredible community of surf lifeguards who every summer stand watch over their communities and those out enjoying Aotearoa’s beautiful coastline. 

“They spend the winter months training, educating, and upskilling so that come the busy summer period they are prepared and ready.”