Lifeguards cease seven day patrols

Full-time patrols have ended at Riversdale Beach for the summer with surf lifesavers retreating to weekend duty only.

Junior Club captain Chris Taylor said last week was the final one for seven-day patrols, although lifeguards will be back on Waitangi Day - a Wednesday - in expectation of a busy day.

"Then it will be back to weekends only again until March 3 when patrols will cease altogether until Easter."

Mr Taylor said weekday swimmers would need to ensure their own safety. Although flags would be on the beach, they may not necessarily indicate the safest swimming area.

"Swimmers must learn to recognise rips," he said.

Mr Taylor said the festive season had seen very mild seas.

"There were no great big currents like we can sometimes get at Riversdale, so it hasn't been overly busy."

He said a lot more people have been swimming between the flags, a comforting trend he has noticed has increased in the past few years.