As the summer swimming season approaches Mount Maunganui lifeguards are issuing a timely reminder to think smart when contemplating jumping off the iconic blowhole.

The caution comes after members of the Mount Club underwent a gruelling hour-long training session recently that included testing out the blowhole jump for the upcoming Mount Monster long distance race.

Mount lifeguard service member Adriana Bird leaps off the end of Moturiki Island during training at the weekend. Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media Services

Along with the jump, the squad towed skis and boards, ran in flippers and used kickboards to return from the blowhole at the end of Moturiki Island to the Main Beach.

The Mount Monster event on December 21 involves a 5km beach run, a 6km board paddle around Motuotau Island and a 12km ski paddle, ending with a run out to the blowhole before a final swim back to the Main Beach.

But Mount Surf Club general manager Glenn Bradley says seeing lifeguards perform such actions is not condoning the jump as a recreational activity for members of the public.

Blowhole rescues or injury-related issues are few and far between in recent years, with a good degree of common sense being taken, says Glenn. Instead more trips, slips and falls are recorded around the rocks and the base of Mauao.

'It [the blowhole] is an access point for lifeguards to enter the water for some rescues, but more often than not they will look for an alternative access point. But it's always one we want our lifeguards to be familiar with from time to time.”

Back in 2006 calls for safety signage around the blowhole were made after 15-year-old Jamie Grainger suffered a collapsed lung when jumping from the blowhole, landing chest-first in the water.

He was rescued by 18-year-old Reece Hepi who dived into the water and brought him back to the surface.

He spent several nights in hospital, the first in intensive care following the jump.

'A little bit of skill and knowledge is required to attempt the jump safely and if people do jump they should never jump alone or without supervision,” says Glenn.

'It's a good 400 to 500 metres from the beach depending on what type of swell and surf there is running there.”

Mount Surf Club coach John Bryant has used the blowhole as a training tool for years and knows it will help make the unique Mount Monster event even more memorable.

"The blowhole jump isn't just a test of nerves, it's a valuable training tool for our lifeguards.

"We've had a number of rescues around the rocks at the end of Moturiki Island over the years and our lifeguards need to know how to safely negotiate entering and exiting the water. It's also a whole lot of fun - once you've conquered your fear - and it gives the Mount Monster race an extra special piece of local flavour."