Surf Life Saving New Zealand is encouraging beachgoers to stay safety conscious as cooler weather approaches and surf lifeguard patrols wrap up for the season.

The organisation is highlighting the value of Public Rescue Equipment (PRE) across the country, saying successful rescues involving PRE have been recorded in the Bay of Plenty and elsewhere in recent months.

PRE units typically include rescue buoys and clear, easy-to-follow instructions, enabling anyone to help a person in trouble in the water.

These are available to the public at all times – including when beaches are unpatrolled outside of the summer patrol season.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand general manager of lifesaving Andy Kent said the rollout reflected a proactive approach to preventing drownings and improving outcomes before lifeguards arrive.

“Every summer, we see situations where members of the public attempt rescues without the right equipment, putting themselves at significant risk.”

Kent saidPRE provided a simple, effective way for people to help others in trouble while keeping themselves safe.

“It’s about giving everyday New Zealanders the tools and confidence to make a difference in those critical first moments.”

Surf Life Saving has installed PRE units, including rescue buoys, at 72 clubs and at about 150 other locations nationwide.

There are 28 PRE units installed across the Bay of Plenty, including 13 at Waihī Beach/Bowentown, and units at The Strand, Mount Maunganui, Omanu, Arataki, Papamoa (two units), Maketū, Pukehina, Ōhope and Waiotahe.

Public rescue equipment (PRE) at Waihī Beach. Photo / David Hall

There is also PRE installed at several inland locations in the Bay of Plenty – a unit at McLaren Falls, another at Lake Ōkaro, and three at Lake Rerewhakaaitu.

In February at Bowentown Beach, off-duty surf lifeguard Josh Coombridge was with his family when he was alerted to a swimmer in distress.

An older man had become exhausted in the water, while two others attempting to assist him were also being pulled further out by a strong outgoing tide, in what appeared to be otherwise calm conditions.

Coombridge grabbed a nearby PRE rescue buoy and swam out to the group.

He used the buoy to stabilise the man before guiding all three swimmers safely back to shore.

No medical treatment was required, and the rescued man later told Coombridge, “You saved my life”.

Surf Life Saving national coastal safety manager Tom Kearney said the rescues reinforced the importance of equipping the public with the right tools, particularly in locations where lifeguards may not be present.

“Bystander rescues are a common factor in water‑related incidents,” he said.

“About 13% of adults have rescued someone, with almost half not using flotation, despite flotation being one of the simplest ways to reduce risk when helping others.”

He said having PRE available meant people could act quickly, without putting themselves in unnecessary danger.

“It’s a simple intervention that can have a life-saving impact and empower members of the public to provide immediate, potentially life-saving assistance.”

Kearney said work with Tauranga City Council was ongoing to install PRE at key locations between Mount Maunganui and Papamoa.

Surf Life Saving is encouraging councils, community groups and coastal stakeholders to consider PRE as a critical part of local water safety infrastructure.