Key Takeaways
- A 21-year-old surfer was rescued from the water off Piha Beach in West Auckland after getting caught in a rip and drifting 1.5km offshore.
- The rescue effort involved multiple agencies, including the police, surf lifeguards, and the Eagle helicopter, and was carried out in complete darkness and bad weather.
- The surfer showed signs of hypothermia and was treated by medical professionals at the beach before being transported to hospital.
- The rescue was described as a "miracle" by the surfer’s mother, who said her son would not have lasted much longer in the water.
- The incident highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration between emergency services, as well as the skill and experience of volunteer lifeguards.
Introduction to the Incident
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, when the surfer’s mother, Price, received a call from her youngest son, who had been searching for his brother along with two friends. The two friends had been teaching Price’s son some surfing skills when the water began to change and they decided to return to shore. However, they lost sight of him and realized he was still in the water. Price’s son had gotten caught in a rip near Lion Rock and was quickly swept out to sea.
The Rescue Effort
The rescue effort was launched after Price’s youngest son called 111 and reported his brother missing. The police and surf lifeguards from the Piha Surf Lifesaving Club quickly responded to the scene. Two inflatable rescue boats (IRBs) were launched, but they were forced to return to shore due to deteriorating weather conditions. The Eagle helicopter was then alerted and arrived quickly to search for the missing surfer. The helicopter’s spotlight was used to locate the surfer, who was waving for assistance in the water. The IRBs were then able to launch again and collect the surfer, who was showing signs of hypothermia.
The Rescue in Complete Darkness
The rescue was carried out in complete darkness, with the crew facing two to three meter-high waves. The surfer was located around 1.5 kilometers offshore, and the IRBs were able to collect him and bring him back to shore. The rescue was described as "outstanding" by Senior Sergeant Garry Larsen, who said that the actions of the Eagle helicopter and the IRB crews unquestionably saved the surfer’s life. The surfer was treated by medical professionals at the beach and was then transported to hospital, where he was later discharged.
Reaction to the Rescue
Price, the surfer’s mother, was relieved to hear that her son was safe and sound. She described the rescue as a "miracle" and said that her son would not have lasted much longer in the water. She praised the teamwork and collaboration between the emergency services, saying that it was a great example of how multiple agencies can work together to achieve a positive outcome. Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) also commended the exceptional teamwork and quick response of the volunteer lifeguards who carried out the rescue.
Conclusion and Reflection
The incident highlights the importance of being prepared and aware of the risks when engaging in water activities. It also showcases the skill and experience of volunteer lifeguards, who are trained to respond to emergencies in challenging conditions. The rescue effort was a testament to the strength of collaboration between police and surf lifeguards, and the outcome was a positive one thanks to the quick response and careful planning of the emergency services. The surfer’s mother, Price, was grateful for the rescue and said that she would always be grateful to the lifeguards and the emergency services who saved her son’s life.