Surf life saving crews are continuing their search for a missing fisherman at nearby Bethells Beach. Photo / SLNZ
Surf life saving crews are continuing their search for a missing fisherman at nearby Bethells Beach. Photo / SLNZ
A woman has died after falling into the water of a West Auckland beach.
Emergency callout squads from three west coast Surf Life Saving clubs - Piha United North Piha and Bethells Beach - were called Whites Beach in Anawhata after the woman got into trouble.
IRBs from Piha and Bethells, each carrying two lifeguards, headed out on the water after the alarm was raised around 3.15pm, a Surf Life Saving Northern Region spokesman said.
Surf Lifesavers aboard the Piha IRB pulled the woman from the water and began CPR once back on the beach until the Westpac Rescue Helicopter arrived.
"Sadly attempts to revive the person were unsuccessful and they have died at the scene," police said in a statement.
Their death will be referred to the Coroner.
Surf Life Saving Northern Region spokesman urged beachgoers along Auckland's west coast to take extreme care when in the area, as the beaches are very dangerous when the surf is running high.
It's the second water tragedy in as many days following the disappearance of a rock fisherman at nearby Bethells Beach.
Search efforts continued for the second day today after the man fell into the water just after 1pm yesterday.
Bethells Beach Surf Life Saving patrols have been searching around O'Neill's Bay along with police search and rescue teams and the Eagle helicopter.
The man remained missing and Bethells Beach club captain Leonard Mead said everyone was now "hoping for a miracle".
"But if that isn't to be then the thoughts of everyone in Surf Life Saving goes out to the man's family and friends."
Bethells Beach surf life saving crew members search for the missing fisherman at a second west Auckland beach today. Photo / SLNZ
He said the incident was a vital reminder for rock fishers to also wear lifejackets and to never turn their backs to the sea.
"Lifejackets save lives, it's as simple as that. You never know when a freak wave is going to come along and potentially sweep you into the sea."
Surf Life Saving Northern Region chief executive Matt Williams said there had been 30 callouts to help people in the water that lifeguards have been asked to attend since May 1 this year.
"By comparison, there were 31 callouts in Northern Region for the whole of last year – including over the summer – and we haven't even reached the summer months yet.
"At least 15 people have had their lives saved or received first aid from lifeguards in that time. We again urge beachgoers to abide by our 10 key safety messages."
