Gibbons-Campbell described most as \u201ctextbook rescues.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cThey were mainly tube rescues, with lifeguards going out and helping them back into shore.\u201d <\/p>\n
She noted that some rescues were performed by lifeguards who qualified only a few weeks ago.<\/p>\n
The busiest period for rescues occurred between lunchtime and 5pm, coinciding with the low tide at 3.30pm, she said.<\/p>\n
Recent storm activity has significantly altered the beach profile, creating challenging conditions for swimmers. Photo \/ Jamie Troughton \/ Dscribe Media<\/p>\n
Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service patrol captain Dallas Numa said his team was busy from the moment patrol began at 11am.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019d already rescued three people before midday,\u201d he said. \u201cAll the rescues but one were just poor choices in locations of swimming.\u201d<\/p>\n
Numa said swimmers were either in a rip or beside one, with two rescues at Tay Street and the rest on Main Beach.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no lifeguards on duty yet at Tay Street, but we still patrol down to that area,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
By chance, a crew testing an IRB after a P\u0101p\u0101moa competition \u201chappened to be at the right spot at the right time\u201d and rescued two swimmers there.<\/p>\n
Surf lifeguards using an IRB rescued two swimmers at Tay St. Photo \/ Jamie Troughton \/ Dscribe Media<\/p>\n
Other rescues were carried out using rescue tubes, with IRBs standing by as backup. First aid incidents \u2014 mainly minor cut feet from shells \u2014 also kept lifeguards busy. <\/p>\n
Recent storm activity has significantly altered the beach profile, Numa said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter the storms, the sandbanks had certainly changed, with lots of surges and rips, and the swells moving the water around,\u201d he said. \u201cPeople without beach savvy who don\u2019t have much knowledge of beaches don\u2019t realise how quickly conditions can change.\u201d<\/p>\n
Numa urged beachgoers to swim between the flags, supervise children closely, and be wary of the shore dump \u2014 waves that break suddenly close to shore.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlso look out for changes in conditions. Swells, currents and rips will change throughout the day,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
His team remained on duty an extra hour on Saturday due to concerns about beach conditions. <\/p>\n
\u201cOur team did a fantastic job. We stayed on until 5pm because of the number of issues and our concerns with people on the beach.\u201d<\/p>\n
Surf lifeguards are on duty on weekends at Mount Maunganui, Omanu and P\u0101p\u0101moa. Photo \/ Jamie Troughton \/ Dscribe Media<\/p>\n
Gibbons-Campbell said the two Whangamat\u0101 rescues also occurred mid-afternoon, under similar circumstances.<\/p>\n
\u201cAgain, people swimming outside of the flagged area had been swept off sandbanks and got themselves into difficulty,\u201d he said. An IRB crew responded to both incidents.<\/p>\n
Gibbons-Campbell said many recent incidents were occurring on the outgoing tide, particularly in the two hours before low tide.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople need to make sure they are keeping within their limits and be aware of the sudden drop-offs where it goes from shallow to deeper water,\u201d he said. \u201cWith the outgoing tide, it\u2019s pulling people off those banks, and they\u2019re getting themselves into distress.\u201d<\/p>\n
His key safety advice: \u201cRemain calm, float on your back, raise your hand for help \u2014 and somebody will come to you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gibbons-Campbell also confirmed the Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service\u2019s Search and Rescue (SAR) squad was helping police and Coastguard in the search for a man reported missing on Friday.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWe think he went into the water on Thursday night, at about 10pm,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n On Saturday, the SAR team assisted police within Tauranga Harbour around Chapel St and the city\u2019s bridges. <\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019ve had the police dive squad on board their IRBs doing sonar underwater searches.\u201d<\/p>\n Police said today he remained missing, and the search would be resumed Monday. <\/p>\n