Lifeguards attract pinniped pals

Surf Life Saving St Kilda was taking part in an inflatable rescue boat training session when a pair of sea lions came up to have a look.

• Trespasser pops in from the beach

It was common for sea lions to come up on to the beach and they had taken a particular interest in the boats this summer, head lifeguard Matt Lloyd said.

Watching from their inflatable rescue boat as sea lions leap from the water at St Kilda Beach in Dunedin on Tuesday are Natalie Ashton (left) and Sarah Thomas.

The crew was training for the inflatable rescue boat interclub competition, and the national championships taking place in April.