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WAITARERE
BEACH
VISITOR INFORMATION
On
behalf of
Waitarere Beach Progressive Association & Ratepayers Association
Inc
ESTABLISHED 1945
This is
to inform you and give you a few hints to make your visit to our beach
a safe and enjoyable experience.
Waitarere
is special - it is one of a few beaches in the country where you are
allowed to drive to your chosen fishing or picnic spot. IT IS A
PRIVILEGE THAT CAN BE WITHDRAWN IF IT IS ABUSED!
THE
BEACH IS CLASSIFED AS A ROAD. AL VEHICLES, POWER BIKE REGULATIONS AND
ROAD RULES APPLY.
VEHICLES
A 30kph speed restriction covers the beach entrance roads and 2.6km
of beach in front of the township. This limit is strictly enforced.
The sand
dunes, beach front reserve and the Manawatu Estuary mudflat's are "protected
areas" and owners can be fined for driving in these areas.
ATV's
and trail bikes please keep north or south of the limited speed zone
if you intend doing more than 30kph.
Land yachts
are VEHICLES; and area is designated for their use north of
the 30kph zone.
“DONUTS”
AND WHEEL STANDS ARE ILLEGAL, (Land Transport Amendment Act 2003).
Volunteer
Beach Traffic Wardens and Litter Wardens warranted by the Horowhenua
District Council patrol the beach all year round for your safety.
PEDESTRIANS
AND CHILDREN HAVE RIGHT OF WAY AT ALL TIMES
PARKING
Public
car parks are provided at the Surf Club or you may park on the beach.
(See Driving Hints)
DO
NOT PARK ON THE YELLOW LINES ON ENTRANCE ROADS, AND DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES
IN YOUR CAR
THE
ONE WAY SYSTEM
The Horowhenua District Council Traffic Plan allows the Wardens to operate
a one way traffic system on busy days. Appropriate signage will be erected.
When in
force, traffic turning left from the main entrance (entering patrolled
swimming area) can only exit via Windsor Street (600m south).
Traffic entering the beach from Windsor Street cannot turn right (North).
PLEASE OBSERVE SPEED RESTRICTIONS, SURF PATROL NOTICES AND DIRECTIONS
FROM THE BEACH WARDENS.
DRIVING
HINTS
Seek
tide information before driving onto the beach
Drive near the middle of the beach. Follow other vehicle tracks where
possible.
Driving near the surf or the driftwood line is hazardous (and not very
good for your car). The beach has large ‘worm holes’ which
act like quick sand.
To negotiate soft sand, engage a low gear, proceed slowly/steadily,
do not stop, turn front wheels sharply or
over accelerate.
SWIMMING
Levin Waitarere Surf Saving Club members patrol the area in front of
the surf club in summer. For your safety it is advisable to swim between
the flags (See Hazards)
TOILET
AND CHANGING ROOMS
These are at the south end of the Surf Club building.
BOAT
LAUNCHING
An area is set aside for this 200m north of the main entrance.
Keep watch for submerged debris at sea and swimmers off the beach.
SURFING
AND JET SKIS
Please keep well clear of patrolled swimming area.
Jet Skis – maximum speed of 5 knots within 200metres of beach
DOGS
Are permitted on the beach but please keep on leash, especially in patrolled
swimming area.
FIRES
A ‘Total
Fire Ban’ covers the entire beach and Waitarere Beach Township.
Permits are required for open fires and braziers.
Gas
BBQ's are OK
Permits
are available from Horowhenua District Council Office, Bath Street,
Levin
LITTER
Please use the bins provided for litter, especially glass; or take it
home with you.
These bins are NOT for domestic household rubbish.
Household rubbish collection is on Monday mornings, Bags available form
Dairy.
Glass and plastic recycling depot is in Park Ave north.
HAZARDS
Rips and holes
As with all ocean beaches, rips can develop unexpectedly causing a swimmer
to be swept into deeper water. If caught, (scary as it may be) don’t
panic, raise your arms to attract attention, relax, float and drift
with the current. It will release you and you can surf back to shore.
Only a strong swimmer should attempt a rescue in a rip. More rescuers
than swimmers die in rips.
In Emergency: CALL 111.
Ask operators to activate the Waitarere Volunteer Fire Brigade.
They have resuscitation equipment and trained volunteers only minutes
away.
Bluebottles
(Portuguese Man O Wars)
These wash onto the beach occasionally in great numbers and can cause
a painful sting if stepped on or encountered in the water.
Remedy: Remove any visible barbs. Flush wound
with fresh water, apply antiseptic or sting cream.
Do not apply vinegar or salt water!
Stingrays
These come close inshore to bask in the shallows in hot weather and
can give you a nasty reflex whack with their tails if stepped on.
Don’t rush into the water, wade in slowly and the stingrays will
move out of your way.
Remedy if attacked: Clean wound, wrap in antiseptic
bandage, Consult Doctor. Stitches are usually required.
Dangerous
Driving
Drivers who endanger the safety and enjoyment of beach users are not
welcome on Waitarere Beach. Help us to make the beach safe
for all to enjoy by taking registration numbers and reporting immediately
to the Police (Dial 111). The Police
are supportive of our efforts to stop irresponsible driving on the beach.
The
Waitarere Beach Progressive and Ratepayers Association Inc
produce
this leaflet for your safety and information
December 2004
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