The four patrolled Auckland West Coast beaches of Murawai, Bethells, Karekare & Piha are always in the top 10 for the most rescues nationwide.
Please be aware that Surf Life Guard's priorities are always on those swimmers within the flags, so if you chose to swim outside the flags it may take longer to reach you if you are in trouble.
Beware of West Coast waves, they are generated far out to sea and can build up in size very quickly, even when local conditions are initially quite calm.
Big surges can appear every few sets of waves. On the beach we see peoples towels and belongings swamped. On the rocks this means the water level will rise by up to 1 metre within a few seconds!
If you are wearing boots that can be flooded and heavy clothing you will have no chance if swept into the sea.
- Try to fish only on an outgoing tide.
- Don't fish on big surf days - the fish hide anyway.
- always tell someone where you are going and when you will be back - tell them to call Police if you're not heard from within the time.
