Surf Safety in New Zealand: Rips, Flags and the 3Rs

Why surf safety matters in New Zealand

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) reports 386 beach and coastal drownings in the last ten years, and says most were preventable. In summer, surf lifeguards patrol 93 locations, from Ahipara in Northland to Oreti in Southland. Many beaches aren't patrolled, and patrols only run at set times.

This guide covers the essentials for swimmers, learners and surfers.

Know the hazards

SLSNZ names four major beach hazards:

• Rips: strong currents flowing away from shore through the surf zone.
• Tides: changing tides can shift wave patterns and create new currents.
• Waves: some are fine for swimming, others are dangerous.
• Holes: sudden deeper patches in the sea floor that can catch you by surprise.

How to spot a rip

Rips are hard to see. SLSNZ's signs to look for:

• A calm patch with waves breaking on either side. It looks safe, but it's often the rip.
• Darker, deeper water with fewer breaking waves.
• Discoloured or foamy water, or debris moving out to sea.
• A ripple pattern on the sand, or small holes under your feet.
• Water flowing out beside rocky headlands, groynes, piers and jetties.

Bigger surf makes stronger rips. SLSNZ also describes flash rips, which can appear without warning in water that was safe moments earlier.

If you're caught in a rip: the 3Rs

1. Relax and float. The rip won't pull you under. It just carries you offshore. Fighting it wastes energy, and most people can float far longer than they can swim.
2. Raise your hand. Signal lifeguards, surfers or people on the beach.
3. Ride the rip. Keep floating until it weakens. Many rips circle back towards shallower water. Only swim for shore once the current eases, and only if you're sure you can make it.

Swim between the flags

SLSNZ's core beach safety messages:

• Know how to float before you go in.
• Swim between the red and yellow flags. Lifeguards put them in the safest place to swim.
• If in doubt, stay out.
• Keep children within arm's reach in or near the water.
• In an emergency, call 111 and ask for the Police.

Check lifeguard patrol times on Safeswim before you go.

Rules for surfers

SLSNZ's surfing tips:

• If in doubt, don't paddle out. Check the conditions first, especially at a new spot.
• Check for hazards like crowds and rocks. Take it easy on your first few waves.
• Respect others. Don't drop in on someone already riding a wave.
• Wear a leg rope so your board can't hit anyone.
• Cover your head when you fall off.

Keep your board out of the flagged swimming area. If you see someone in trouble, help if it's within your ability. Otherwise, raise the alarm.

Where to learn safely

Learners should start at a patrolled beach break with a surf school. See Raglan, Mount Maunganui, and our guide to learning to surf in New Zealand.