Otago's surf life-savers are gearing up for another season of making a day at the beach a safe experience, with patrols at five beaches beginning on Saturday.
Surf Life-saving New Zealand chief executive Geoff Barry recently announced the launch of the season nationally, with the beginning of five months of patrols for more than 3500 volunteers at 80 of the country's most popular beaches.
He urged beach-goers to swim between the flags, be wary on rocky outcrops and never swim or surf alone.
Last season, Otago's surf life-savers worked 9241 hours, performing 49 rescues, 13 searches and 42 first-aid events.
Nationally, surf life-savers carried out 450,226 preventive actions, including 19,438 by Otago club members.
Surf Life-saving Otago director Scott Weatherall said the season here started a week later, with noon to 5pm weekend patrols at St Kilda, St Clair, Brighton, Warrington and Kaka Point beaches.
