Key Takeaways
- Two men have drowned at Ripirō Beach in Northland, New Zealand
- The incident occurred at approximately 6:50pm, with police and emergency services responding immediately
- Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) confirmed that surf lifeguards responded to the incident and attempted to rescue the men
- The deaths have been referred to the Coroner, and a rāhui (ban) has been placed on the area until January 5
Introduction to the Incident
The tragic incident occurred at Ripirō Beach in Northland, New Zealand, where two men lost their lives in a drowning accident. The police were alerted to the situation at approximately 6:50pm, and emergency services responded promptly to the scene. The men were seen struggling in the water at Ripirō Beach, which is located between Mahuta Gap and Glinks Gully. The police and other emergency services sprang into action, and the men were pulled from the water unresponsive.
Response from Emergency Services
The response from emergency services was swift and decisive. Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) confirmed that surf lifeguards responded to the incident at Glinks Gully, which is approximately 17km south of the Baylys Beach patrolled area. The lifeguards were informed by the police that two people were caught in a rip, 300 metres north of the access way at Glinks Gully. The first lifeguards to arrive at the scene launched an inflatable rescue boat and located the men, bringing them back to the beach to begin CPR. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the lifeguards and emergency services, resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful.
Investigation and Aftermath
The deaths of the two men have been referred to the Coroner, who will conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. In the meantime, local iwi have placed a rāhui (ban) on the area until 7pm on January 5. This ban is a sign of respect for the deceased and their families, and it is also a way of acknowledging the tragedy that has occurred. The rāhui will remain in place for several days, during which time the community will come together to mourn the loss of the two men and to support their loved ones.
Importance of Water Safety
The incident at Ripirō Beach serves as a reminder of the importance of water safety, particularly during the summer months when many people are enjoying the beach and other water activities. Rip currents can be deadly, and it is essential to be aware of the risks and to take necessary precautions. Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) and other organizations provide valuable information and resources on how to stay safe in the water, including tips on how to identify and escape rip currents. By being aware of the risks and taking necessary precautions, we can all play a role in preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
Conclusion
The drowning of the two men at Ripirō Beach is a tragic reminder of the importance of water safety and the need for vigilance when enjoying the beach and other water activities. The swift response from emergency services, including the surf lifeguards, was commendable, and their efforts to save the men are a testament to their dedication and bravery. As the community comes together to mourn the loss of the two men, we are reminded of the importance of looking out for one another and taking care of each other, particularly in times of tragedy. By learning from this incident and taking necessary precautions, we can all play a role in preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.