After recording a surplus of lifeguards this summer season, plans to invest in future talent is the next step forward, says Surf Life Saving New Zealand eastern regional manager Chris Emmett.

Speaking at the Western Bay of Plenty District Council operational services committee meeting, Chris presented an annual review of the 2012/13 surf lifesaving patrol season to councillors.

The presentation gives council an overview of the activities and performance of the community service contractor with council having an annual contract with Surf Life Saving New Zealand for $69,000.

Under council's agreement, Surf Life Saving New Zealand meets agreed levels of service in the Western Bay of Plenty District coastal communities of Waihi Beach, Bowentown, Maketu and Pukehina Beach.

Chris says the eastern region is the only area nationwide to record a surplus of lifeguards and this number needs to be capitalised upon.

'This season the association introduced a ‘supervision and support programme' central to building professionalism with the need to move to a three-year agreement with annual reviews along the way.

'This will allow us to build on certainty into investing into the future.”

The season was considerably busy, but Chris admits lifeguards at all four beaches did a good job in keeping an eye out on the water for all swimmers.

Throughout the four beaches, 1699 hours were logged during the patrol season with about 30 first aid incidents required and 24 live saving rescues made.

'This is a stark contrast to last year with the Rena [oil spill] and weather conditions, as there were very challenging surf conditions throughout the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel.

'There were consistently higher than average beach head counts across all eastern region beaches.”

One of the areas of concern is beach access signage which needs to be upgraded to ensure beachgoers are well informed when they go swimming.

'Beach access signage is becoming a real issue around the community. People park their car and walk down to the beach and do not know the dangers.

'We need some supporting blocks in there to basically build a safer community and safer environment.”