Danger beach claims second victim in week

A man drowned at a crowded Northland beach yesterday while his wife and three daughters, including a baby, attended a festival there.

Alexander Stewart, 46, is the second person in just over a week to drown at Baylys Beach, 15 minutes west of Dargaville.

His death follows that of a fisherman on Sunday last week and has renewed calls for better warning signs and the posting of lifeguards to the beach.

Baylys Beach Holiday Park owner Maurice Weatherall said the beach was crowded yesterday, with more than 500 people enjoying the annual beach bonanza, a family event that includes horse racing, sand castle building, volleyball and a surf contest.

There had been growing concern that someone would drown at the beach.

"It's starting to get a very popular beach and there are no lifeguards," Mr Weatherall said.

The beach was generally safe but should be avoided at certain times, especially around the changing tide.

Mr Weatherall said he had met Kaipara District Council staff about two weeks ago to discuss installing a flag or clock system that warned visitors when it was safe to swim.

Constable Colin Sloan said Mr Stewart got caught by a rip about 2pm and was swept out to sea. There was little anyone could do as he disappeared in the tide.

Police, the Rescue Co-ordination Centre and Coastguard were called and the Paparoa man's body was recovered about 20 minutes later. Paramedics tried unsuccessfully to revive him on the beach.

Mr Weatherall was told Mr Stewart was out quite deep when people on the beach saw him go under the water.

"They screamed and he disappeared."

Kaipara Harbour and west coast harbour warden Des Subritzky said he would support any push for improved signage or a surf lifesaving club. Property was booming on the coast and the area was becoming more popular but many people were unfamiliar with the dangers there.

"As locals we were always taught that you only swam on the incoming tide and towards the top of the tide, then you got out.

"There are a lot of people from the city and other areas that have moved to the west coast and don't know that."

In the past week residents have voiced concern about people ignoring their warnings about the dangers at Baylys Beach.

Their comments followed the death of Kevan Moore, 35, who was dragged out to sea while netfishing last week.

Mr Subritzky said Baylys Beach had had a lifesaving club years ago but more recent attempts to create one had failed.

Surf Lifesaving Northern Region development officer Dean Storey said Baylys Beach had enough usage - and risk - to benefit from lifeguards.

"It's definitely a high-risk beach and the last week has proven that. There is no reason there couldn't be a surf lifesaving club there."

Mr Storey said the community and the council would need to work together to establish such a club and find people keen to join it. Surf Lifesaving would then help with training and establishing the club.

Kaipara Mayor Peter King said he was told about the latest drowning at the same time he learned of a rescue involving six people near Glinks Gully yesterday.

He was concerned about the growing number of incidents in the region.

"It's bad news. We have had it right since Christmas time - there have now been six or seven incidents."

Mr King said he would discuss the matter with other councillors.

"We need at the very least to have another look at signage and have some community discussion about what we can do to have a rescue service available."