Key Takeaways:
- A surfer was rescued off Piha Beach in a daring nighttime operation by surf lifeguards and police.
- The 21-year-old surfer was caught in a rip and pulled out to sea, but was spotted and rescued by the Eagle helicopter and two inflatable rescue boats (IRBs).
- The rescue was carried out in challenging weather conditions, with fading light and high waves.
- The surfer was treated for hypothermia but has since been discharged from hospital.
- The rescue highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration between emergency services and the need for beachgoers to prioritize safety.
Introduction to the Rescue
The rescue operation was carried out on Tuesday night after a surfer was reported missing off Piha Beach. The surfer’s brother had alerted police to his disappearance, and emergency services were quickly deployed to the scene. The Eagle helicopter and two IRBs from the Piha Surf Life Saving Club were sent out to search for the missing surfer. The rescue was a complex and challenging operation, with fading light and deteriorating weather conditions making it difficult for the responders to locate the surfer.
The Search and Rescue Effort
As the light faded, the two IRBs were forced to return to shore to wait for the Eagle helicopter to spot the missing surfer. The helicopter used its infrared cameras to scan the area, including an area south of Lion Rock, where the surfer was eventually found. At around 9pm, the surfer was spotted, still on his board and waving, roughly 1.5km offshore of Camel Rock. The Eagle helicopter lit up the surfer’s location, allowing the IRBs to make their way out to him. The rescue was carried out in complete darkness, with the IRBs battling high waves to reach the surfer and bring him back to shore.
The Aftermath of the Rescue
After being rescued, the surfer was treated by lifeguards on the beach for hypothermia and was then taken to hospital by ambulance. He has since been discharged and is recovering well. The surfer’s mother expressed her gratitude to the hero responders, saying: "We wouldn’t be bringing our boy home today if it wasn’t for them." The rescue was praised by Surf Lifesaving NZ’s general manager of lifesaving, Andy Kent, who said it was a testament to the skill and collaboration of the volunteers and emergency services.
Praise for the Responders
The Piha Surf Life Saving Club captain, Jess Wanden-Hannay, also praised the lifeguards for their efforts, saying: "It was such a relief that it was a positive outcome for the surfer, especially given the conditions. We’re extremely proud of our surf lifeguards involved." Senior Sergeant Garry Larsen said the rescue was a great example of teamwork and highlighted the importance of staying safe while at the beach. He urged people to always put safety first, never go alone, and stay within their limits when surfing or swimming in unfamiliar locations.
Safety Reminder
The rescue serves as a reminder for people to prioritize safety when enjoying the water. Surf Lifesaving NZ urged anyone who saw someone having difficulty in the water to call 111. The organization also reminded people to stay alert and prepared, and to stay connected with others to ensure everyone gets home safely. By taking these precautions, people can minimize the risk of accidents and enjoy the water with confidence. The rescue off Piha Beach is a testament to the bravery and skill of the emergency responders and a reminder of the importance of safety and teamwork.