Surf lifeguards are imploring people not to head to local beaches during the coming storm to see the large waves expected along the shores.

After much appreciated sunshine on Sunday, eastern region surf lifeguards are bracing for Cyclone Hale which is due to hit the region on Monday evening.

'We are urging people NOT to visit the beaches to see the large waves,” says Eastern region Surf Lifesaving manager Chaz Gibbons-Campbell.

'Strong surges are expected along our coast which can knock people off their feet and sweep them out to sea.”

Chaz also says Civil Defence in Coromandel and Gisborne are bracing for surface flooding and road closures.

On Sunday the sunshine brought people out of hibernation with large numbers reported visiting beaches all over the coast.

'Lifeguards were kept on their toes with some sizable swell which packed a punch evident across all our beaches.”

The downpour in Gisborne though forced the closure of all the town beaches.

'Gisborne town beaches were closed on Sunday due to poor water quality - sewage.”

Lifeguards were involved in rescues and assists across the eastern region.

After receiving intel from Police, Whiritoa launched an IRB to respond to a patient in difficulty in the water at Waimama Bay, North of Whiritoa.

The IRB arrived on scene and rescued two patients, both of whom luckily required no further assistance once back on shore.

'A good reminder to choose a lifeguarded beach to swim at,” says Chaz.

Eastern region Surf Lifesaving manager Chaz Gibbons-Campbell. Photo: Ricky Wilson.

Prior to this, Whiritoa lifeguards had rescued two swimmers who were unable to make it back to shore on their own due to the strong currents.

Island View performed a rescue of one patient who was sucked out in a rip and unable to swim herself back to shore.

'The patient was very distressed but once on shore and calmed down, no further assistance was required.”

Pauanui lifeguards assisted two people back to shore after they were caught out by a flash rip which opened up next to the flagged area.

At Mount Maunganui, lifeguards carried out four rescues involving eight people throughout the course of the day.

There were also a number of minor first aids at Onemana, Waihi Beach, Whakatane and Papamoa.

'All patients were treated by lifeguards and sent on their way,” says Chaz.