Hawke's Bay surf lifesavers are urging people to take care at the region's beaches, after large wave swells appeared across the area.
Pacific Surf Life Saving Club captain Leah Cooper, of Napier, says the surf over the last few days has been "big and dangerous". Photo: RNZ / Tom Kitchin
Waves have been surging up on to the beaches more than usual in recent days.
"We encourage the public to swim between the red and yellow flags at a lifeguarded beach," Surf Life Saving New Zealand central region life saving manager Tim Gibbs said.
"Our patrols are at Waipatiki, Westshore, Marine Parade (in front of Ocean Spa), Ocean Beach and Waimarama. These locations will be patrolled every day until 28 January 2022, after which weekend patrols will continue until the end of February."
Pacific Beach on Marine Parade was red-flagged, and swimming was not recommended.
People were advised to stay out of the water, and to not go close to the water's edge.
Large sets of waves were coming in, and there was a risk of people being swept away by the strong undertow.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand advised people to stay safe by swimming or paddling between the flags and ensuring children are closely supervised at all times near the water.
If beachgoers were in any in doubt about the conditions, they should stay out of the water.
A police spokesperson they had not been notified of any water incidents over the last week in Hawke's Bay, except for some boats needing towing on New Year's Eve near Napier and Waimarama.
But they sent a warning out on Monday after bigger than normal swells in the central city and suburb of Ahuriri.
The Hardinge Road Beach in the suburb of Ahuriri earlier this week. Photo: RNZ / Tom Kitchin
Pacific Surf Life Saving Club captain Leah Cooper said most of the season so far had been "calm and flat" except for this week, when the surf dramatically picked up.
She said it was "big and dangerous".
Water temperatures were hovering around the late teens to early 20 degrees.
But she said on a good day, there was much fun to be had.
"Come down when it's a nice day and you see our flags open. If it's a super flat day we can get the pontoon out which is a bit of fun that everyone can come and enjoy."
Beach Safety Messages from Surf Life Saving New Zealand
- Choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the flags
- Read and understand the safety signs - ask a surf lifeguard for advice as conditions can change regularly
- Don't overestimate your ability or your children's ability to cope in the conditions
- Always keep a close eye on young children in or near the water - always keep them within arm's reach
- Get a friend to swim with you - never swim or surf alone
- Watch out for rip currents, they can carry you away from shore. If caught in a rip current remember the 3Rs: (relax and float, raise your hand and ride the rip)
- Be smart around rocks: When fishing never turn your back towards the sea and always wear a lifejacket
- If in doubt, stay out of the water
- If you see someone in trouble, call 111 and ask for the police
- Be sun smart - slip, slop, slap and wrap to protect your skin and eyes from the sun's damaging rays