Napier's Marine Parade Beach closed due to extreme sea conditions

Tuesday, 4 January 2022

Napier’s Marine Parade is regarded by Water Safety NZ as “an area of high-risk for drowning”. (File photo)

Napier’s Marine Parade Beach – a trouble spot for drownings – has been closed due to extreme sea conditions.

Police and Surf Lifesaving New Zealand gave notice of the closure this evening, and said the restriction would be reviewed along with conditions on the beach in the morning.

Pacific Surf Lifesaving Club patrols Marine Parade, and club member Emma Sutherland said large swells had caused the closure.

“This is typical for any patrolled beach when there is a big swell or other significant hazard. Part of the risk assessment.”

* Water rescue equipment being placed along Napier's Marine Parade following drowning

* Surf lifesaving skills shown on and off the sand

The beach is considered a trouble spot: seven people have died while swimming – or just walking, or sitting – on the beach since 1996. Water Safety New Zealand has designated the beach as “an area of high-risk for drowning”.

A five -year-old boy drowned while swimming at the beach just last month, despite the rescue efforts of four police officers and a member of the public. In the aftermath of that drowning, Surf Lifesaving New Zealand placed public use water rescue flotation devices along Marine Parade on a trial basis.

Police and Surf Lifesaving New Zealand also advised that Hardinge Road Beach, in Napier, was considered dangerous – with two-metre waves breaking on to a shingle beach – and should be avoided. Those conditions were also set to be reviewed in the morning.

Port Hill Beach by Napier Hill was open for swimming.