Waihi Beach Top 10 Holiday Resort

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) is urging people to be extremely careful on beaches along the eastern coast of New Zealand this week, due to a large swell caused by a tropical cyclone out in the north eastern pacific. SLSNZ National Lifesaving Manger, Allan Mundy, said a tropical cyclone or two deep lows near the Pacific Islands are causing large swells of up to three to four meters that are hitting the eastern coastline; mainly the Bay of Plenty for the rest of this week, followed by Gisborne and Hawkes Bay later in the week as the lows move towards the Southern Ocean. Mr Mundy urges that people should be very vigilant when selecting a beach to swim at. “Choose an inner harbour or local pool to cool down at, and if you are heading down to your local beach, go around low tide, especially during the week as there are no lifeguards on duty until the weekend when the volunteer services are rostered on. He also warns that the biggest danger is from the massive sweeper waves that hit the beach and travel right up to the sand dunes with lots of power. A sweeper wave occurs when two swells, operating from different weather systems like the two in the Pacific right now, combine into a larger wave – often twice the size of most other waves. Not only will they sweep all the way up the beach to the sand dunes beyond other waves, they are “at least twice as powerful” when they return to the sea. “These waves will easily knock over an unsuspecting walker or sweep a swimmer out of their depth very quickly when the wave returns back to the ocean. These waves cause the rip currents to become extremely strong as well,” he said. “Another issue is the high tide, coupled with a big swell, which will catch people out while they’re walking. In most places, the combination of the swell and high tide will go right up the whole beach, right up to the sand dunes. If the dunes where you are walking are steep, you could become stranded by the water.” While many weekday lifeguarding patrols have ended around the country, Mundy said it’s a good time to remember that even if lifeguards are on patrol, they won’t put flags up if it’s unsafe to do it, which was the case for many beaches yesterday. “Surf lifeguards are constantly assessing the conditions and if they feel the surf is too dangerous, or there are too many risks involved, they won’t put the yellow and red flags out. Instead, you may notice warning signs or red flags, which means we strongly recommend against swimming,” he explained. He also encouraged those going out in the water on kayaks, stand-up-paddleboards, and other small craft to avoid the eastern beaches but said if you are heading out, to make sure you are wearing a lifejacket and have two forms of waterproof communication to get help if you need it – like a personal locator beacon and VHF radio. “We [SLSNZ] work closely with many other agencies including the New Zealand Police and Coastguard, but we can’t help you if we can’t find you. So make sure if you’re heading out, take those communication tools with you so that we can get to you quickly if needed.” SLSNZ has over 5,000 qualified volunteer surf lifeguards who patrol up to 90 locations during summer, with many emergency call-out squads around New Zealand operating outside normal patrol hours who can be dispatched by Police for rescues. Mundy also encouraged people to call 111 and ask for Police if they see anyone in trouble in or near the water. “It’s important you don’t risk your own safety. In many places, we can get surf lifeguards to people very quickly in conjunction with the Police and other agencies. So calling 111 and asking for Police is really important to getting the right kind of help.”

Lovely evening here tonight

While the Christmas holiday memories are fading, construction has started on new accommodation at the Hanmer Springs Top 10 Holiday Park (https://www.facebook.com/HanmerTOP10HolidayPark/) Time to start thinking about your next holiday?

Summer has been hectic! As we are finally calming down, we decided to put together a sick deal for you! Between the 29th January - 31st March we are offering $100 per night in our glamping tent! An offer not to miss! Terms and Conditions: * Stay dates apply from 29th Jan - 31st March * Must stay a minimum of 2 nights * $100 for 2 people + $25 for every extra person * Sleeps a max of 4 people * Subject to availability * No refunds, amendments or cancellations * Must pay in full

Looking for a henna tattoo? Come to reception to find out about our awesome receptionist that does some artful hennas!

The weather is looking great for our Kids Day Out event this Saturday 19 January at Brighton Reserve. BYO picnic mat and beach umbrella to relax and enjoy the live entertainment, great food and delicious drinks, while the kids play on the bouncy castle, have their face painted, enjoy a kids yoga session and so much more! Also don't miss our treasure hunt at 11:00am, a huge thank you to Waihi Beach Hardware and More FM who have provided lots of awesome prizes and giveaways. See you all Saturday!!!!!