Water wise over ‘silly season’

Published: 17 December 2024

Warm days and holiday vibes mean people head to the beach and into the water but they’re being encouraged to be careful about where they choose to swim.

Pacific Surf Lifesaving Club is patrolling from Te Karaka (Perfume Point) to the Port on Hardinge Road, at Westshore, and at Waipatiki until March 2025. At all times, Marine Parade is deemed unsafe for swimming with its steep drop-off, unpredictable waves and unstable ground.

Mayor Kirsten Wise is encouraging locals to be aware of safe swimming spots and to share their knowledge with friends and family visiting from out of town.

“Our seaside spaces, pathways and parks are part of what makes Napier a great destination to visit, and we want everybody to enjoy these places safely,” says Mayor Wise. “We all need to help spread the message about the dangers of swimming on Marine Parade to visitors who may be unaware or who have missed the many signs on the foreshore warning of the dangers.”

Swimmers should only go into the water between the red and yellow flags, swim during lifeguarded hours and always supervise children.

Rescue buoys are available from seven locations on Marine Parade. A patrol tower will be located near the Harbour View Motor Lodge and East Pier Hotel.

Surf Lifesaving New Zealand advises that people who are not strong swimmers, or do not have a flotation device are putting their own lives at risk if they attempt to rescue someone. Rescuers should make sure they can get themselves and a second person back to shore safely. If someone is in trouble in the water, and there are no surf lifeguards on duty, people are told to call 111. Lifeguards will run a roving patrol on Marine Parade on some days depending on conditions. With hot weather and strong surf, people are tempted to enter the water at Marine Parade, especially during weekends, but it is always unsafe.

More information is available at napier.govt.nz, search:#watersafety. To find out where and when the lifeguards are on duty, people should visit swimsafe.org.nz.

Back to News Archive