Letter to the Editor Tuesday December 16, 2014

Saved!

I want to pay tribute to the volunteer spirit that is alive and well in the Far North. But first I'd like to outline our story.

I am relatively new to the kayak fishing world, but have grown up around and on the water. I have been using our double kayak for fishing for the past couple of years, and have been fishing Berghan's rock off Ahipara without issue since the beginning of last year.

On Saturday afternoon a friend and I went out on a reasonably flat sea, which was meant to kick up later on in the evening. We caught only a few fish and were packing up to come home before we realised the kayak had taken on some water.

After attempting to bail unsuccessfully, and capsizing a couple of times, we waved the 'white flag' (our paddles) in the air for a few minutes before abandoning ship and floating fish to swim (life jackets donned and a LED head lamp on) for shore, which was about one kilometre away.

What a relief to hear the fire siren and see one fire appliance, the surf rescue team, police and Daniel O'Rourke with his jetski show up on the beach in quick succession, only 30 minutes after we entered the water. Daniel jetted out to us and collected us with ease. Though I believe we would have made it, it was definitely humbling to be on the receiving end of such an amazing and timely service.

I want to draw attention to the many volunteers in our community who make the Far North a great and safe place to live. I am happy to be an example that shows what an amazing service we have up here.

Many thanks from us to Daniel, the surf rescue team, the fire brigade and the police. God bless you all in your work!

JONATHAN PIRINI

Allan Dow

Kaitaia