Surf lifeguards can be asked to respond to a variety of incidents.
Surf lifeguards can be asked to respond to a variety of incidents.
A plane crash near Whangamatā and a two-metre shark cruising through the flagged area in Whakatāne were among callouts Eastern Region surf lifeguards responded to over the weekend.
On Saturday, surf lifeguards on patrol at Whangamatā were called to assist after reports of a light plane crash at Tokakahakaka Island, between Whangamatā and Onemana.
“They responded by Rescue Water Craft (RWC – jet skis) and confirmed there was nobody unaccounted for in the water, while Fire and Emergency New Zealand and ambulance services responded by land,” a Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) Eastern Region spokesperson said.
The next day, a two-metre shark caused a temporary beach closure at Whakatāne after being spotted cruising through the flagged area.
“Lifeguards acted promptly to protect swimmers, closing the beach until it was safe to reopen.
“On the same day, they rescued a kitesurfer who had crashed and lost their board, reaffirming their commitment to public safety across a wide range of scenarios.”
At Mount Maunganui on Sunday, surf lifeguards responded to reports of a woman rolling her ankle on Mauao, with the Mauao Response Team taking her down to an ambulance on standby.
Volunteer surf lifeguards in the Eastern Region worked a total of 544 hours on Saturday with 43 preventive actions to avoid emergencies developing, three minor first aid treatments, one person assisted to shore and 1394 people involved. On Sunday they worked 906 hours with three people rescued, three assisted, one major first aid, nine minor first aids, 48 preventives and 3395 people involved.
Surf Lifesaving NZ reminds people to swim between the flags. Photo / SLSNZ
The weekend had a dramatic start, with off-duty surf lifeguards from the Sunset Beach Surf Lifesaving Club in Port Waikato involved in a mass rescue incident at Port Waikato on Friday evening.
Three children and an adult were in serious difficulty after being caught in a rip on the unpatrolled beach, having entered the water in 1.2-2m turbulent surf.
They were spotted by six off-duty lifeguards from the Sunset Beach club, who responded immediately, entering the water with a rescue board and rescue tubes to successfully save the four people.
SLSNZ general manager for the northern region Zac Franich said the swimmers were incredibly lucky surf lifeguards happened to be in the vicinity, outside patrol hours.
“Had they not been spotted by off-duty surf lifeguards, it is likely they would have drowned,” he said.
“Our message has always been that beachgoers should always swim at actively patrolled beaches, and always swim between the red and yellow flags, which show the safest place to swim at a beach.”
Three patients were brought from the water in a stable but shaken condition, but one was taken out in a semiconscious state and was flown to hospital by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
Franich praised the dedication and adaptability of the lifeguards involved.
“These wide-ranging incidents reflect the critical role surf lifeguards play in protecting New Zealanders and visitors alike. From shark sightings to aviation accidents, our lifeguards are always ready to respond with professionalism and care,” he said.
Volunteer surf lifeguards worked 6526 hours on Saturday and Sunday.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand lifeguards using an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB). Photo / SLSNZ
Key safety messages: 2024/25 season
1. Know how to float – Me Mōhio koe me Pēhea te Mānu
If you don’t know how to float, don’t go into the water.
Just being able to float when you are in the water can increase your chance of survival. Floating allows you to calm yourself and keep your airways out of the water. It is also the first thing to do if you get caught in a rip.
If you don’t know how to float well, practise or get some lessons in a pool before you head to the beach – being able to float is a key skill when learning to swim. Anyone can learn to float but some people may take a little longer to learn.
2. Find the safest place to swim – Kimihia te Wāhi Haumaru Rawa Ki Te Kaukau
Remember if you are heading to the beach, check www.safeswim.org.nz to find a lifeguarded beach, and always swim between the red and yellow flags, which show the safest place to swim. The surf lifeguards are there to help keep beachgoers safe. They keep a constant eye on the sea, continuously scanning for hazards or people in difficulty, keeping on top of weather forecasts and understanding the swell and tide conditions.
3. If in doubt, stay out – Mehemea e Rangirua Ana, Me Noho Ki Waho
Waves can be bigger than they look, dangerous rip currents are hard to spot and weather conditions can be unpredictable. If you feel uncomfortable about getting into the water, stay out. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Too many people get into trouble in the water because they overestimate their abilities and underestimate the conditions.
4. Take care of others – Tiakina te Tangata
Always keep children within arm’s reach in or near the water. Waves can move quickly and unexpectedly and can knock kids off their feet and sweep them away. Everyone has different levels of ability, so watch out for your mates too.
5. Know how to get help – Me Mōhio koe me Pēhea te Kimi Āwhina
If someone in the water is in trouble and surf lifeguards are on patrol, let them know. If you can’t see any surf lifeguards, call 111 and ask for police. Police have a direct line to surf lifeguards and others who can help.
