Guards back on duty at Ahipara
Far North Surf Rescue began its annual summer patrol at Southern Ahipara on December 15.
The hours are, voluntary patrols over weekends: 11am to 5pm from Saturday, December 15, up to and including the weekend closest to Waitangi Day; paid guards on patrol during weekdays: from 10am-6pm from Monday to Fridays starting Christmas Eve and running until Friday, January 18. With 100 years of patrolling under its belt, Surf Life Saving New Zealand emphasised some basic rules for bathers to be aware of this summer.
1. Choose a beach with lifeguards and swim between the flags.
2. Read and understand the safety signs — ask a lifeguard for advice as conditions can change regularly.
3. Don’t overestimate your ability or your children’s ability to cope in the conditions. 4. Always keep a very close eye on young children in or near the water — keep them within arm’s reach at all times.
5. Get a friend to swim with you — never swim or surf alone.
6. Watch out for rip currents, they can carry you away from shore. If caught in a rip current, lie on your back and FLOAT, put your hand up and call for help.
7. Be smart around rocks: When fishing, never turn your back towards the sea and always wear a lifejacket.
8. If in doubt, stay out of the water!
9. If you see someone in trouble, call 111 and ask for police.
10. Be sun smart — Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap. Protect your skin and eyes.