There has been praise for Dunedin surf lifesaving volunteers as council funding dries up before scorching temperatures.
St Clair and St Kilda beaches have each seen thousands of visitors this week.
Volunteer lifeguards were kept busy Tuesday with six rescues and more than 30 first-aid treatments for jellyfish stings.
Otago-Southland Life Guard Committee chairman Cameron Burrow said this week's seen more visitors to Dunedin beaches than the rest of summer.
"Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, have probably been busier than the majority of our whole season."
He said they'll take severe weather events into account when applying for next year's funding.
"Our DCC funding ran out last week for our paid guards so the volunteers have really stepped up this week and put on some big hours."
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