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Beaches in the Manukau or the Waitemata are usually safe for swimming, and sheltered.
The sun in New Zealand is very strong in the summer, so if you are outside between 11am and 4pm you should wear sunscreen, a hat, and dark glasses to protect yourself from the sun.
If you are on ocean beaches like Karekare, Piha, Muriwai or Bethells, remember that powerful rips and swells make the western beaches ROUGH. Swim only between the flags. There are lifeguards on duty every weekend between late October and Easter, and every day between late December and late January.
Avoid calm patches of water in the surf - they're rips travelling out to sea, and the most dangerous part of the beach.
* Watch children at all times.
* Don't swim in clothing, especially in jeans.
* Be careful when fishing or clambering on the rocks - large waves can sweep you off.
* Boaties should wear a lifejacket.
* Boogie-boarders should have a leash, fins or flippers, and ideally a wetsuit for buoyancy.