Parents and caregivers are being reminded to keep children close, while at the beach this summer

Many kids have missed out on swimming lessons this year because of more than three months of lockdowns.

Water Safety New Zealand CEO Daniel Gerrard says it's about being much more vigilant.

He says being knocked over by a little wave at a small surf beach and experiencing a bit of sand in the face is a positive learning experience.

But Gerrard says doing it at a big west coast beach in Auckland, when kids aren't within arms reach, is when trouble happens.