A day of sun, sea and sand beckons
If you plan to welcome the arrival of 2021 today at Fitzroy Beach in New Plymouth, lifeguards Olli Gooch and Lachie Moles will be there to keep an eye on you.
Fitzroy Beach, East End Beach, Oakura Beach and Opunake Beach will all have paid lifeguards on duty from 11.30am to 7pm and Gooch and Moles expect they’re in for another scorching, packed day.
The 17-year-olds have had a busy season so far, but they love it. They get to work at the beach.
Fitzroy Surf Lifesaving president Todd Velvin said the water had been warm until the recent dusting of snow on Mt
Taranaki, but that hadn’t scared people off.
He said it had been a busy summer on the beaches but also a safe summer, to date, with no major rescues.
‘‘The beaches have been really good,’’ Velvin said. ‘‘There’s been minor first aid, like stubbed toes.’’
However, he said people should always swim between the flags, listen to lifeguards and remember to relax, ride the water, and raise their arms should they get into trouble.
If swimming or spending time on the sand isn’t your thing, the New Year’s Day Oakura Beach Carnival Market is on – just not where you think.
Due to unforseen circumstances, the market is taking place at Nga¯motu Beach Domain in New Plymouth and for this occasion has been dubbed the New Year’s Day Seaside Market.
It is taking place from 10am4pm with local crafts, children’s activities and food galore.
Metservice is forecasting a high of 20 degrees Celsius today with light breezes, but it is expected to cloud over in the evening.
So make the most of the weather today as it could be wet tomorrow.
Showers are forecast to set in tomorrow in the early morning, with the chance of them clearing in the afternoon.