Tolaga Bay SLSC Takes 3rd for Dec '21 bp Rescue of the Month

Lifeguards' quick actions save group from dangerous river. 

On only the second day of the summer patrol, lifeguards from Ūawa Tiaki Tai Tolaga Bay SLSC averted disaster for a group who was planning to cool off in the river. 

Lifeguards Jonty, Kerehama and Cairo observed a group of people heading towards the river to enter the water. Jonty and Kerehama proceeded to launch the IRB to carry out a preventative action by informing the group of the danger of swimming in that area.  

The swimmers entered the water before the IRB arrived and immediately found themselves in trouble.  A woman caught in the rivers’ strong current was picked up by the team in the IRB. She was assisted to shore and assessed before the lifeguards returned to assist two remaining swimmers to safer waters.  

Early recognition, preventative action and quick response ensured a positive outcome for the group who was unaware of the risks of swimming in the river. Without assistance it’s likely the swimmers would not have been able to return to shore resulting in possible fatalities. The lifeguards’ forward-thinking and proactive approach saved lives on this particular day. 

bp Head of Country NZ Matt Elliott says, “Since 1968 bp has been proud to stand behind Surf Life Saving New Zealand and its Surf Lifeguards who consistently put their amazing skills into action to keep us all safer at our beaches.”