Heroic Lifeguard Rescue Earns Taylors Mistake Surf Lifesaving Club bp Rescue of the Month

Taylors Mistake Surf Lifesaving Club (SLSC) in Christchurch has been awarded the bp Rescue of the Month for lifeguard Lucy Stroud’s brave and swift response in rescuing a swimmer struggling in a rip.

It all unfolded on the 11^th March when Lucy had returned home from the 2023 TSB New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Championships and was looking to wind down with a recovery swim.  However, when members of the public alerted her to a swimmer who was caught in a rip, she sprang into action.

Lucy immediately alerted the Police, St Johns Ambulance, and Coastguard before grabbing a rescue board from Taylors Mistake SLSC.

Surf conditions were large as she paddled out, but by following directions from members of the public on the Godley Head walkway, she located the swimmer, who was extremely weak.

With the help of two surfers on foam boards, she was able to return him to the beach where a couple of club members had retrieved a first aid pack and a blanket from the clubhouse.

The patient, who was suffering from hypothermia, struggled to walk and eventually collapsed. The team then wrapped the man in blankets and towels and observed him until paramedics arrived and took him to hospital via ambulance.

Andy Kent, Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s National Lifesaving Manager, said “All of the competitors in our lifesaving competitions are trained and qualified Surf Lifeguards.  Even after a long day competing, Lucy’s quick thinking and skilled response in rescuing the swimmer caught in the rip, saved a life. 

“Her heroic actions demonstrate the importance of having fit, well-trained and committed Surf Lifeguards who look out for the safety of others.”

bp Head of Country NZ, Matt Elliott, said “bp is proud to stand behind incredible volunteer Surf Lifeguards like Lucy".

“Lucy’s bravery is a testament to the incredible work that Surf Lifeguards do to keep our beaches safe.  We are proud to support the work they do, as they dedicate their time and skills to protect our communities.”

For being awarded first place in the bp Rescue of the Month, Taylors Mistake SLSC will receive $500 worth of bp gift vouchers and a framed citation to display at their club.

Rārangi SLSC has been awarded 2^nd place for their rescue of a surfer near the Wairau Diversion.  Four off-duty Surf Lifeguards responded to a man who was in distress.  They worked together to ensure he was brought back to shore safely.

Beach safety messages

• Choose a lifeguarded beach
• Swim between the flags
• In a rip remember to relax and float, raise your hand, ride the rip.
• Swim, surf or fish with a mate. It pays to have backup if someone gets into trouble.
• If you see someone in trouble, call for help.
• Click here for other Beach Basics safety messaging.