Our dedicated volunteer lifeguards are back on duty for another action-packed season, just in time for what could be a sizzling summer.

According to NIWA, there’s a 50 per cent chance the Bay of Plenty will see above-average temperatures this summer.

This means more people hitting the beach and more swimmers in the water, making our lifeguards' role more important than ever.

Thanks to their hard work and dedication, everyone can enjoy the ocean safely and with peace of mind.

With a hot summer approaching, it’s crucial to remember that water conditions can still be unpredictable.

Here are some key safety tips to keep in mind and share with your friends and whānau:

Know how to float 

If you don’t know how to float, don’t go into the water.

Just being able to float when you are in the water can increase your chance of survival.

Floating allows you to calm yourself and keep your airways out of the water.

It is also the first thing to do if you get caught in a rip.

If you don’t know how to float well, practice or get some lessons in a pool before you head to the beach - being able to float is a key skill when learning to swim.

Find the safest place to swim

Remember if you are heading to the beach, check www.safeswim.org.nz to find a lifeguarded beach, and always swim between the red and yellow flags, which show the safest place to swim.

The surf lifeguards are there to help keep beachgoers safe and they always have eyes on this area.

If in doubt, stay out 

Waves can be bigger than they look, dangerous rip currents are hard to spot and weather conditions can be unpredictable.

If you feel uncomfortable about getting into the water, stay out. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Too many people get into trouble in the water because they overestimate their abilities and underestimate the conditions.

Take care of others

Always keep children within arm’s reach in or near the water.

Waves can move quickly and unexpectedly and can knock kids off their feet and sweep them away.

Everyone has different levels of ability, so watch out for your mates too.

Know how to get help 

If someone in the water is in trouble and surf lifeguards are on patrol, let them know.

If you can’t see any surf lifeguards, call 111 and ask for police.

Police have a direct line to surf lifeguards and others who can help.

If you’re in the water and in trouble yourself, raise your arm to signal for help.

If you’d like to support our volunteer lifeguards this summer, you can donate any time to help the Pāpāmoa Surf Club keep things running smoothly.

Every little bit helps. Visit our website for details: www.papamoalifeguards.co.nz/support-us