Boogie-boarder's plight highlights risk: Surf guard

Keep safe in the water this summer.

A Far North man struck trouble while boogie-boarding in surf and a visitor from Taranaki swam out to help him.

Whangarei police spokeswoman Sarah Kennett said the 38-year-old Kaitaia man struck trouble at Rarawa Beach, about 10km northwest of Houhora, at 2.50pm on Sunday.

Last month 54-year-old Virginia Lee Smith, from Rawene, drowned after getting caught in a rip while boogie-boarding at Takou Bay in the Far North.

In the latest incident a 43-year-old visitor, from New Plymouth, swam out to the man who was being dragged in a rip about 30 metres offshore. Mrs Kennett said police were contacted but, before they launched a rescue, the man who struck trouble on the boogie-board was able to surf back into shore.

The second man, who was a competent swimmer, made his own way back to the beach.

Following the death of the woman at Takou Bay - one of three beach drownings in Northland this year - Surf Life Saving northern region manager David Butt warned people enjoying the surf in Northland to ensure they had the right equipment to stay safe.

Boogie-boarders have also caused problems for lifeguards at Northland's patrolled surf beaches this summer.

"When you are using any equipment in water the best thing is to be prepared, especially with boogie-boards," Mr Butt said. "Always use fins and have the strap on your wrist."

It was hard to know the biggest risk when in the water but young men were the group most at risk of drowning. "They overestimate their abilities and underestimate the conditions."

Water Safety NZ figures show that 72 per cent of those who drowned between 2008 and 2012 were male.