It's all hands on deck for surf lifesavers on the beach this Labour Weekend in what marks the start of the summer patrol season.

From today, volunteer lifesavers and the customary yellow and red flags will be visible along the East Coast, including all three of Tauranga's big clubs – Mount Maunganui, Omanu and Papamoa.

Omanu Surf Club members Sam Groot, Ashley Cochrane and Fletcher Swan get ready to patrol their stretch of beach this season. Photo: Bruce Barnard.

Surf Lifesaving New Zealand patrols continue right through until Easter for most areas of the North Island, while other parts of the country will see patrols begin during next month as warmer weather arrives.

Last year the Mount Surf Club increased their patrols from five to six and Omanu increased theirs from six to seven, allowing lifeguards to remain fresh throughout the season.

SLNZ Eastern Region sport manager Scott Bicknell says the message for the public is simple - swim between the flags and keep safe while in the water.

'If you have young ones, it's just about making sure you are supervising them,” he says.

'But it's also about being aware of the conditions and playing a bit of common sense. If there are flags out, just have some caution and be safe as there are people out there looking out for you in particular.”

Scott is expecting a big weekend on the beaches and also hopes the weather plays its part.

A front followed by a cold southwest change is expected to sweep across the North Island with the forecast for the Bay expected to remain fine.

However, the MetService is predicting rain to close out the long weekend across the Bay of Plenty on Monday.

'It's all hands on deck for a good start to the season,” he adds, 'especially because it's Labour Weekend. But we are pretty keen to get back into.”

SLSNZ chief executive Paul Dalton is asking the public to be extra vigilant when around the water and choose a patrolled area while enjoying the region's coastline.

'The beach is New Zealand's favourite playground but it can also be a dangerous place,” says Paul.

'Learning about the risks and preparing yourself will mean you can enjoy the sun, sea and sand safely this summer.”

This season about 4000 volunteer lifeguards will spend more than 200,000 hours keeping a watchful eye on over 80 beaches throughout the country, helping to make them a safer place for Kiwis and their families to enjoy this summer.

During an average season, about 1200 people are rescued from life-threatening situations.