Police to patrol beaches over summer

Police officers will patrol Horowhenua and Manawatu¯ beaches this summer to quell rising tensions between bathers and motorists.

Lifeguards have been playing traffic cops as they try to keep swimmers safe in the water and on the sand.

Two police officers will be stationed at beaches from Tangimoana to Te Horo for eight weeks over summer, starting on Monday.

Senior Sergeant Beth Purcell said because overseas travel was off the cards, police expected people to flock to the beaches.

She said safe speeds along the beaches and the safety of people crossing to and from the sea was a focus this year. ‘‘We see this largely as a prevention role, educating and promoting safe driving practices enhancing public safety.’’ The police did a survey to determine which beaches needed more assistance and found taki was the worst. She said many people don’t know beaches were considered roads and were subject to bylaws that governed speed.

The officers would have quad bikes and would deal with speeding cars, public disorder and lost children, liaise with beach wardens and community service groups, and attend public events such as annual big digs.

Normally police were stationed at Waita¯rere Beach for the holidays, but that had been reduced to two weeks. ‘‘We are looking at it from a difference lens with a focus on more beaches.’’

Foxton councillor David Allan said people speeding on the beaches had been a problem for years.

The council put out signs to discourage people speeding between the surf life saving flags.

‘‘People have been mostly compliant, but I like that the police are coming back into the community.’’

Two police officers will be stationed at beaches from Tangimoana to Te Horo.