Key Takeaways
- A five-year-old and another person have been rescued after getting into trouble while jet skiing near the Waikato River mouth on Christmas Day
- A third person, a male, is still missing and search efforts are ongoing
- The Police Eagle helicopter crew and Coastguard are involved in the search, along with Surf Life Saving NZ (SLSNZ) and other emergency responders
- The incident occurred near a notoriously dangerous sand bar at the river’s mouth, where the three individuals were jet skiing when they got into trouble
Introduction to the Incident
The Waikato River mouth has been the scene of a dramatic rescue operation, with a five-year-old and another person being pulled to safety after getting into trouble while jet skiing on Christmas Day. However, the search for a third person, a male, is still ongoing, with emergency responders scouring the water for any sign of him. The incident occurred near a notoriously dangerous sand bar at the river’s mouth, where the three individuals were jet skiing when they got into trouble. The Police Eagle helicopter crew and Coastguard are involved in the search, along with Surf Life Saving NZ (SLSNZ) and other emergency responders.
The Rescue Efforts
The rescue efforts began on Christmas Day, when police responded to reports of three people in distress at sea at around 6:30pm. The Police Eagle helicopter crew helped surf lifesavers to rescue two people, but the third person had not yet been found. Surf Life Saving NZ (SLSNZ) said that lifeguards from Sunset Beach and Kariaotahi had responded to the incident, with patrol lifeguards and search and rescue squads, using inflatable rescue boats and rescue water craft. The Northern Rescue helicopter had also helped search. Lifeguards had been able to pull a five-year-old child from the water, and had kept searching until it became too dark to continue, at about 8pm on Thursday.
Continued Search Efforts
The search for the remaining missing person continued on Boxing Day, with the Coastguard and police back out on the water. The Police Eagle helicopter crew and other emergency responders were involved in the search, which was focused on the area near the sand bar where the three individuals were jet skiing when they got into trouble. SLSNZ said that the remaining missing person was a male, and that the search efforts would continue until he was found. The incident highlights the dangers of jet skiing in certain areas, particularly near sand bars and other hazardous locations.
The Importance of Safety Precautions
The incident also highlights the importance of taking safety precautions when engaging in water activities such as jet skiing. It is essential to be aware of the potential hazards and to take steps to mitigate them, such as wearing life jackets and being aware of the weather and water conditions. Additionally, it is crucial to have a plan in place in case of an emergency, including having a means of communication and knowing how to signal for help. By taking these precautions, individuals can reduce their risk of getting into trouble and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.
Conclusion and Ongoing Search
The search for the missing jet skier is ongoing, with emergency responders continuing to scour the water for any sign of him. The incident is a reminder of the importance of safety precautions and the need to be aware of the potential hazards when engaging in water activities. The Police Eagle helicopter crew, Coastguard, and other emergency responders are doing everything they can to locate the missing person and bring him to safety. The community is urged to remain vigilant and to report any sightings or information that may aid in the search efforts. As the search continues, our thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing person, and we hope for a positive outcome.
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