Maritime police are patrolling some popular North Island beaches following reports of jetskiers travelling too fast and too close to swimmers.
Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
It has been a busy start to the new year for lifeguards, as thousands of people take to the northern beaches.
Surf Life Saving's northern region said there had been several reports from east-coast Auckland beaches such as Orewa, Wenderholm and Takapuna of wayward jetski drivers travelling at high speeds close to swimmers.
Operations manager Alan Gibson said there were 12 incidents yesterday.
In the North Island, eight swimmers were rescued at Piha, Mangawhai Heads and Muriwai yesterday.
Lifeguards also helped 18 swimmers before they got into serious difficulty.
Lifesaving Manager Ari Peach said in a statement that there were two serious incidents at beaches on Auckland's west coast.
A 14-year-old girl was injured when she was dumped by a wave at Muriwai and minutes later, a 13-year-old girl was barely conscious after swallowing a large amount of water at Piha.
They were taken to hospital by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
