Surf Lifesaving urges Aucklanders not to flock to west coast beaches

Aucklanders have been asked not to flock to dangerous west coast beaches as outdoor recreation opens up across the region, Stuff reports. Aucklanders can now travel anywhere in the region to take part in outdoor recreation, but Surf Lifesaving Northern Region has warned of the dangers of the west coast and urged Aucklanders to avoid heading there. Lifesaving operations manager James Lea said lifesavers understood people had become restless during lockdown – but the west coast was “unforgiving”. October 2020 saw a “big increase” in critical incidents at west coast beaches, including two deaths and six other rescues.