New Zealanders hoping to enjoy a classic Kiwi Christmas this weekend may have more to worry about than undercooking their snags, with Safeswim issuing more than 40 alerts for beaches across the North Island.
As of 4pm, more than 40 hazards have been identified at popular coastlines on Christmas Day, including Piha, Bethells and Muriwai - holiday hotspots along Auckland's west coast.
In Northland, beachgoers at Ruakākā have been urged to exercise caution after sharks were spotted in Bream Bay's waters.
Bluebottle jellyfish have also been spotted at several destinations - Karekare Beach, Bethells Beach, Karioitahi Beach, Muriwai and Piha North - with swimmers urged to exercise caution.
Bluebottle jellyfish stings can be extremely painful, raising into red welts that can last several days. According to the Ministry of Health, the best care for a sting is to flush the area with seawater before immersing it in heated tap water. Serious allergic reactions are rare, however an ambulance should be called if the person develops symptoms such as shortness of breath, severe dizziness or signs of shock.
Meanwhile, Kiwis hoping to enjoy a Christmas outing to Wenderholm Regional Park, north of Auckland, are urged to keep away from the area due to a "dangerous and exposed" cliff edge, with rock fall reported.
People planning to make an afternoon trip to Karekare Beach on Auckland's west coast should consider postponing if they're hoping to swim, with Swimsafe warning of dangerous conditions - 'no swimming' is explicitly stated in the alert.
Swimming is also not advised at Baylys Beach, a stretch of coastline west of Dargaville, due to large surf. Beachgoers at Bethells, Muriwai and Piha are also urged not to enter the water.
Surging waves and strong currents have also been reported at Bethells, Muriwai, Piha and Piha North, as well as at Karekare and Karioitahi Beach, a rugged coastline located south-west of Auckland near Waiuku.
Strong offshore winds are also posing a hazard at Pākiri Beach, a regional park in Auckland's north. Use of inflatable and non-powered craft is not advised.
Alerts issued by Safeswim indicate risks to the health and safety of beach users. They are uploaded to the website by Surf Lifesaving professionals or members of the Safeswim project team, on the advice of the Auckland Regional Public Health Service, Watercare, or water quality and pollution response teams in participating councils.
Click here for the full list of warnings for Christmas Day.
