Surf lifeguards were kept busy yesterday, despite the gloomy Christmas weather

13 rescues and 10 assists, were performed nationally.

They were part of the near two-thousand 200 hours spent patrolling New Zealand's coastlines.

789 preventative actions were undertaken by surf lifeguards.

There were several major incidents, including a mass rescue at Wainui near Gisborne, and a search and rescue for a missing Raglan kite surfer.

Surf Lifesaving Chief Executive, Steve Fisher is reminding the public to pay attention to its advice, particularly in the country's more dangerous beaches.