Bay lifeguard wins award for holiday rescue

BP Central area manager Alan Price (left), BP Central retail area co-ordinator Bonnie Howes, lifeguard Kate O'Malley and Westshore Club captain Brian Quirk..

A Hawke's Bay surf lifesaver has been honoured for her heroism in saving four lives, after a group of teens was caught in a Bay of Plenty rip.

Westshore lifeguard Kate O'Malley was holidaying in Whakatane on December 28 last year when a woman ran into the campground screaming for help as four teenagers were being swept out to sea at Ohiwa Beach.

Ms O'Malley ran 200m to the unpatrolled beach and entered the rip without any lifesaving equipment. The surf was heavy at 1.5 to 2m and the rip was strong.

She found four people spread out in the waves before she calmed them and towed the two most unwell swimmers back to the beach.

The Hukarere College teacher re-entered the rip to rescue the other two teens, before caring for all four patients who had inhaled sea water and were in shock. Two of the survivors were later transported to hospital.

For her bravery, Ms O'Malley was named the national winner for Rescue of the Month and awarded the Central Region BP Rescue of the Month award for December.

She said she was humbled but proud of the December rescue.

"It was my first night on holiday and I hadn't had time to check the beach yet ... I suppose you start to doubt yourself when you first go out there but yeah, I guess instinct kicks in."

She said without the aid of a surf crew or any equipment it was difficult to bring in all four teens, the highest number of souls she has saved in one rescue.

Her Westshore club receives a $500 fuel voucher from BP. Each month, Surf Life Saving New Zealand selects a winning rescue from each region as well as an overall national winner for the title of BP Rescue of the Month.