Surf lifeguards preparing for an extremely busy summer are urging caution in the water as the first official patrols of the season get underway this weekend.
Last summer there were a record 90 drownings and already this year there's been a spike in callouts and rescues over the winter months.
Saturday's the first day of Labour Weekend - and Kiwis sure are making the most of it.
"Getting out and enjoying the sun and the sea and the sand," one person said.
"I'm heading out kite surfing," another said.
At Auckland's Bethells Beach preparations were underway for the first official patrol of the season. But lifeguards already know what this summer has in store for them.
"We think it's going to be a really hectic season - busy - warm for us this weekend, so everyone's apprehensive," Bethells Beach Club captain Leonard Mead said.
That's because many lifeguards were kept busy during their off-season despite the cooler temperatures.
"Very busy winter. In comparison to previous years, more callouts, more people getting in trouble and we've got lifeguards starting on patrol earlier than ever," Surf Life Saving Northern Region CEO Matt Williams said.
Williams said people are flocking to the beach in record numbers.
"There's numerous reasons for that. You've got really good, really cheap wetsuits, so more people can use the water in a more accessible way. As simple as that sounds, that's a big driver for it."
They're urging the public to remain vigilant in and around the water because all it can take to get into danger is just a few seconds.
New Zealand's drowning statistics continue to increase. In 2018, 66 people died in the water. The following year, that number jumped to 79. Then in 2020, 84 people lost their lives - and then in 2021, that number reached 90.
"Last year crystalised we have a drowning issue on the coastline in this country. Unless we change our behaviours, or quadruple the number of lifeguards immediately, we're going to continue having those issues," Williams said.
It's a problem Maritime New Zealand faces too.
"We get numerous callouts through the summer, we've had a few incidents already this season," deputy harbour master Pete Carmichael warned.
Its officers spent the day out on the water in Nelson reinforcing the rules to boaties.
A few simple safety steps so that everyone can enjoy the water this summer.
