Waihī Beach. At around 8pm, off-duty lifeguards noticed five swimmers caught in a rip directly off the surf club. While on the beach, the team also directed another 20 swimmers from the water at various points along the shoreline. There was a big swell and rips right along the beach.”IRB at Waihī Beach. Gibbons‑Campbell reiterated Surf Life Saving’s core safety message:“Swim between the flags, swim during patrol hours, and if in doubt, stay out.”

Source: New Zealand Herald December 31, 2025 02:48 UTC