Staying Safe at Waihi Beach

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Emergencies can happen with little warning, so it’s important to be prepared. This page provides essential information to help you stay safe before, during and after an emergency in Waihī Beach. From local evacuation routes to where to find help, you’ll find key advice and resources to support you and your whānau in a crisis. Stay informed, make a plan and know where to go when it matters most.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, always call 111 for emergency services. Dial 105 for police non-emergencies.

Download the Waihi Beach Guide to Emergencies HereDownload the Waihi Beach Guide to Emergencies Here

IN THE WATER

Safety At The Beach

SWIM BETWEEN THE FLAGS

Waves, wind and tides can all affect conditions at the beach.We always recommend swimming between the flags when our surf lifeguards are on patrol as these areas are constantly being monitored and will be the safest places to swim.

Waihī Beach is patrolled by surf lifeguards at the northern end of the beach every weekend from Labour Weekend through to the end of March, and usually through to Easter Weekend. During the peak summer season (typically from around one week before Christmas until early February), patrols operate seven days a week, with additional patrol locations at Island View (Tuna Avenue) and Bowentown near Coastguard.

You can find a list of all patrolled beaches and patrol hours on the Safeswim website.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR VISITORS

If you see someone in difficulty in the surf outside patrol hours or when the red and yellow flags are not flying, dial 111 and ask for Police – they will activate the Search and Rescue squad.

HOW TO RECOGNISE RIPS

A rip is a strong current of water running out to sea. It’s important to learn how to recognise a rip current, and the actions you’ll need to take if you get unexpectedly caught in a rip.

You can find more information about rips here.

STAY SAFE IN THE SUN

We all enjoy the summer sun, but nobody enjoys sunburn.

When you’re planning a trip to the beach, there are a few essentials you should always take with you. Make sure you pack a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

Wear a shirt or clothing that provides good protection from the sun, and don’t forget a hat to cover your head – it helps prevent heatstroke as well. Sunglasses are also important to protect your eyes.

For more advice, visit the SunSmart website, which explains the most important times of day to protect your skin and eyes.

Swim between the flags
Be aware of rip currents
If you need help, raise your hand and call.
Never swim alone.
Stay hydrated & be sun smart.

EMERGENCY

Nearest Services

HOSPITALS AND DOCTORS

Tauranga Hospital & Emergency Department

829 Cameron Road, Tauranga

Phone +64 7 579 8000

Whakatāne Hospital & Emergency Department

Stewart Street, Whakatāne

Phone +64 7 306 0999

Waihī Beach Medical Centre

47 Wilson Road, Waihī Beach

Phone +64 7 863 5757

After Hours : Accident & Healthcare

Open everyday from 8:00 am – 9:00 pm

19 Second Avenue, Tauranga

Phone +64 7 577 0010

CHEMISTS | PHARMACIES

Waihī Beach Chemist

15 Wilson Road, Waihī Beach

Phone +64 7 863 5401

Barron’s Pharmacy

66 Seddon Street, Waihī

Phone +64 7 863 8317

Clarks Pharmacy Waihī

Corner Seddon Street & Rosemont Road, Waihī

Phone +64 7 863 8337

POLICE STATION

Waihī Police Station

55 Kenny Street, Waihī

Open: Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

EARTHQUAKE

Drop, Cover and Hold

IN CASE OF AN EARTHQUAKE

Always remember to Drop, Cover and Hold during an earthquake.

This applies even if you are outside near buildings, trees, or anything that could fall and cause injury. If you are in bed, stay where you are and protect yourself with blankets or sheets, using a pillow to cover your head and neck.

Be aware of your surroundings and stay prepared to Drop, Cover and Hold again if there are aftershocks, which can happen just minutes after the initial quake.

If you are in a vehicle when the shaking starts, pull over to a safe place as soon as possible. Choose a location away from trees, power lines, or buildings if you can. Stay seated with your seatbelt on and wait until the shaking stops. Once it is safe, drive carefully and watch for damage to roads, slips, and avoid bridges or ramps if possible.

Use social media or text messages to contact family and friends to help keep phone lines free for emergency services. Stay informed by listening to the radio or checking reliable online sources.

For details about recent earthquakes, including location, magnitude and time, visit GeoNet NZ.

TSUNAMI

Do you know what to do?

LONG OR STRONG, GET GONE!

If you are near the coast and an earthquake feels long or strong, the sea level suddenly rises or falls, or you hear unusual noises from the ocean, move immediately to higher ground or as far inland as possible. Remember the phrase: Long or strong, get gone. Do not wait for official warnings.

If you need to evacuate, walking, running or cycling is advised. This helps reduce traffic congestion and allows people who rely on vehicles more space to leave safely.

Keep listening to the radio or checking trusted online sources for updates. Wait for instructions from Civil Defence, and do not return to coastal areas, estuaries, rivers or streams until the all-clear is officially given.

FLOODING

In the event of flooding

STAY SAFE IN A FLOOD

If you receive a warning or think flooding is possible, get ready to evacuate. Have your grab bag packed with essential items, move valuables and animals to higher ground, and prepare to turn off utilities if it is safe to do so. Stay updated by listening to the radio, watching television, or checking reliable internet sources.

Avoid walking, swimming or driving through floodwater, as it can be dangerous and is often contaminated, posing serious health risks.

If anything comes into contact with floodwater, wash it thoroughly or dispose of it as soon as possible. Do not use tap water for drinking or food preparation until it is confirmed to be safe.

Stay away from affected areas and do not return to your home or accommodation until emergency services have confirmed it is safe to do so.

COMMUNITY RESPONSE

Our Local Team

COMMUNITY RESPONSE TEAM

The Waihī Beach Community Response Team supports the area from the North End through to Bowentown and works closely with Athenree. The team is made up of trained and experienced volunteers who have developed a Community Response Plan to help support the community during and after emergencies.

The team takes part in regular training and planning exercises and works alongside local Emergency Services. They also have direct communication with the Western Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Management Team in Tauranga, helping to keep the community informed on how to stay safe and self-reliant during a crisis.

In the event of a Civil Defence emergency, the team will set up an Emergency Welfare Hub at the Waihī Beach RSA. If there is a long or strong earthquake, a tsunami warning, or an official order to evacuate, head towards Waihī or Athenree. If you are unable to leave the area, go to the RSA, the Athenree Hub, or move to higher ground or as far inland as possible. Make a plan, keep your grab bags ready, and stay updated through TV, radio, or social media.