Following several incidents, complex rescues and tragically, deaths, at west coast beaches this summer, visitors to beaches out west are being urged to stay safe.
The beaches are well known for their rugged beauty. However, with this comes dangers both obvious and hidden that can turn the best day into the worst in a split second.
A recent stellar run of stunning summer days in Tāmaki Makaurau has sent visitors from near and far running to our magnificent beaches, including Piha and Bethells / Te Henga.
But Waitākere Ranges Local Board wants visitors to remember it’s vital to stop to take in your surroundings and consider how you can stay safe.
Waitākere Ranges Local Board chair Greg Presland says that the west coast is living up to its reputation of being magnificent but dangerous, with long-time locals noting conditions seem to be becoming more volatile.
“Tragically, we have had three drownings lately out west and the conditions have been described as being as rough as locals can remember.
“A fisherman was washed off the rocks in December, and two people were swept out to sea while swimming and unable to be found in November and January.
“Board member and Piha local Sandra Coney has described the beach as being as dangerous as she has ever seen it for swimmers and people unfamiliar with the beach.”
Surf Life Saving New Zealand, which patrols several west coast beaches, recorded 79 rescues and 55 people assisted to safety between 1 July 2024 and 10 February 2025. Surf lifeguards have also performed 8,436 preventative interventions involving over 55,254 people on the West Coast so far this season.
With the warmer weather continuing, surf lifeguards urge those enjoying the beach to take care and get home safe.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand Lifesaving Manager – Northern Region, Chase Cahalane, says the key to staying safe is properly understanding both your own abilities and the conditions.
“Most people who get in trouble in the water have overestimated their own abilities and underestimated the conditions.
“Between the red and yellow flags is the safest place to swim as it is where surf lifeguards are directing most of their attention so they will more likely see you if you do get into trouble. But if you have any doubt at all about your ability to stay afloat in the conditions, stay out of the water all together.
“If you’re fishing off the rocks, look at and understand the tides, the swell, the direction of the wind and the weather forecast and only go out if you are certain it is safe to do so – which isn’t all that often on the west coast. And always wear a lifejacket,” says Chase.
In addition to the warning when visiting the beach, Greg says that the board is poised to see if there is anything else that can be done to make the beaches safer.
"The board will discuss this issue and see what further resources are needed to help those enjoying the beaches stay safer,” says Greg.
"We will also be discussing what we can do to find these resources.
“Be careful out there. If you are swimming out west keep to the red and yellow flags but know your personal ability, if in doubt, stay out, and don’t risk it, even at patrolled beaches.”
Staying safe in the water
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. Anyone can learn to float but some people may take a little longer to learn.
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, by keeping a constant eye on sea as they continuously scan for hazards or people in difficulty, keeping on top of weather forecasts and understanding the swell and tide conditions too.
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, signal for help.
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