Waihi Beach surf lifeguards honoured for saving stroke victim's life

Waihi Beach life guards who saved a mans life after he had a stoke while surfing. Photo / Supplied

Lifeguards who plucked a man from the surf after he suffered a stroke have been awarded for their heroism.

The volunteer surf lifeguards from Waihi Beach were awarded the national BP Rescue of the Month award today after a rescue which took place in February.

Eastern region lifesaving manager Chase Cahalane said without the intervention of the lifeguards from Waihi Beach the outcome could have been tragic.

"Rescues aren't all about getting beachgoers out of trouble in the water.

"Sometimes it is about lifeguards recognising someone in trouble and giving them the best care possible, which often includes time-critical, high quality first-aid like this case."

Fortunately, the club was full of surf lifeguards setting up for the BP IRB North Island Championships when Nathaniel Palla and former lifeguard Thomas Carter noticed something was wrong with another surfer.

Upon assessment, Palla and Carter knew he needed immediate attention and paddled the patient back to shore behind another lifeguard, Duncan Gibson rushed back to shore, raising the alarm at the beach.

That's when Matthew Lloyd, Maddie Scown, Bent Grant and Michiel Cumming leapt into action to provide first-aid, which was critically important for victims of a stroke.

The patient's mother has since sent a note to the lifeguards thanking and informing them of the patient's progress.

"Last Friday your team saved my son's life. He was surfing at the beach when he had a stroke," she said.

"Although you were not officially on duty, someone noticed him lying on his board and thought they should take a look."

She said no words could express how grateful she was.

BP New Zealand managing director Debi Boffa said the skills demonstrated by the team in the rescue were outstanding.

"It's a great example of the work Surf Life Saving New Zealand and their member clubs do year round to help save the lives of thousands of people as well as educate people about how to stay safe on our beaches."

For their efforts, the group were awarded a $500 BP gift-card to help with running costs.

Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club also secured second and with that, they get a $300 BP gift card for helping a patient who suffered a physical injury in the water.

Rounding out the top three rescues in February is Kariaotahi Surf Life Saving Club, near Waiuku, who take home $200 of BP vouchers for their club for their efforts in a first aid response, while also rescuing 10 people from a rip current.

Surf Life Saving national lifesaving manager Allan Mundy said the variety of skills used in each of the top three awards showed the versatile and high-quality skill of surf lifeguards.

"Everyone at Surf Life Saving New Zealand is incredibly proud of all our volunteer surf lifeguards and can't thank them enough for their time, dedication and care in helping people around Aotearoa."