Key Takeaways
- Two people drowned at Ripirō Beach, between Mahuta Gap and Glinks Gully, on Saturday
- The men were pulled from the water unresponsive after being caught in a rip 300m north of the access way at Glinks Gully
- Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) responded to the incident, but resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful
- A rāhui has been placed on the area by local iwi until 7pm Monday, 5 January
- The deaths have been referred to the coroner for further investigation
Introduction to the Incident
A tragic incident occurred at Ripirō Beach, between Mahuta Gap and Glinks Gully, on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of two people. According to reports, police were called to the scene at approximately 6:50pm after two men were seen struggling in the water. Emergency services, including police and surf lifeguards, responded immediately to the incident. The swift response was crucial in attempting to save the lives of the two men, but unfortunately, their efforts were unsuccessful.
Response Efforts
Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) played a significant role in responding to the incident. The organization confirmed that surf lifeguards were informed of two people caught in a rip, 300m north of the access way at Glinks Gully, which is approximately 17km south of the Baylys Beach patrolled area. The first surf lifeguards to arrive at the scene launched an inflatable rescue boat and located both men, who were found unresponsive in the water. The lifeguards then returned the men to the beach, where they commenced CPR in an attempt to resuscitate them. Despite their best efforts, the resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful, and the men were pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation and Rāhui
The deaths of the two men have been referred to the coroner, who will conduct a further investigation into the incident. The coroner’s investigation will aim to determine the cause of the deaths and identify any factors that may have contributed to the tragic outcome. In the meantime, local iwi have placed a rāhui on the area, which will remain in effect until 7pm Monday, 5 January. A rāhui is a temporary closure or restriction of an area, often imposed by Māori iwi, to allow for the spirits of the deceased to be laid to rest and to show respect for the dead. The rāhui will prevent people from entering the area, allowing the local community to pay their respects and grieve for the loss of the two men.
Importance of Water Safety
The incident at Ripirō Beach serves as a reminder of the importance of water safety. Rip currents can be deadly, and it is essential for beachgoers to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions. Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) provides valuable services, including lifeguarding and education, to help prevent such incidents from occurring. However, it is crucial for individuals to take responsibility for their own safety when engaging in water activities. This includes checking the weather and surf conditions, swimming at patrolled beaches, and being aware of rip currents and other hazards.
Conclusion
The deaths of the two men at Ripirō Beach are a tragic reminder of the importance of water safety and the need for vigilance when engaging in water activities. The response efforts of the emergency services, including police and surf lifeguards, were swift and professional, but unfortunately, their efforts were unsuccessful in saving the lives of the two men. The rāhui imposed by local iwi is a sign of respect for the dead, and the coroner’s investigation will aim to determine the cause of the deaths and identify any contributing factors. As we move forward, it is essential to prioritize water safety and take necessary precautions to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.