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Weekend Wrap: Surf Lifeguards Show Versatility with 40 First Aids
Monday, 27 November 2023Surf lifeguards around the country showed their versatility this weekend, carrying out 40 first aids.
Most of these incidents occurred in the Northern Region, with eight first aids conducted on both Saturday and Sunday.
On Saturday, surf lifeguards form Orewa Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) were kept busy with multiple incidents. They assisted an elderly patient who had fainted while waiting for an ambulance to arrive. Another group of surf lifeguards aided in transporting an injured person from ‘The Cove’ to an ambulance at Red Beach. Surf lifeguards also briefly assisted a person who had a suspected heart attack at the Orewa shops.
Meanwhile, at Mangawhai Heads, a person suffered a dislocated shoulder and was in significant pain. Surf lifeguards provided care while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.
Zac Franich, Northern Region General Manager, said, “This weekend showcased that the work surf lifeguards do extends well beyond the red and yellow flags. They play an integral role in keeping not just beachgoers safe, but also anyone in their community. A substantial amount of effort goes into upskilling and training during quieter months, ensuring surf lifeguards can respond to both minor and major first aid incidents.”
The number of people heading to beaches around the country are also increasing from weekend to weekend. On Sunday, in the Northern Region, the peak head count went well over 700.
Franich said, “These numbers will continue to rise as we head into summer, and the weather heats up. It’s important for beachgoers to remember Sur Life Saving New Zealand’s top five safety messages, including check safeswim.org.nz to find a lifeguarded beach, and always swim between the red and yellow flags.”
Metservice is forecasting a settled start to the working week, but a band of rain is set to shift across the country through Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing an end to ‘beach-friendly’ weather.
Northern Region:
|
|
25 November, 2023 |
26 November, 2023 |
|
No. of people rescued |
4 |
0 |
|
No. of people assisted |
0 |
2 |
|
No. of major first aids |
3 |
1 |
|
No. of minor first aids |
5 |
7 |
|
No. of searches |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of preventative |
66 |
60 |
|
No. of people involved |
444 |
403 |
|
Peak head count |
480 |
730 |
|
Hours on patrol |
733 |
916 |
Eastern Region:
|
|
25 November, 2023 |
26 November, 2023 |
|
No. of people rescued |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of people assisted |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of major first aids |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of minor first aids |
4 |
9 |
|
No. of searches |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of preventatives |
5 |
33 |
|
No. of people involved |
103 |
442 |
|
Peak head count |
135 |
691 |
|
Hours on patrol |
385 |
359 |
Central Region:
|
|
25 November, 2023 |
26 November, 2023 |
|
No. of people rescued |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of people assisted |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of major first aids |
0 |
1 |
|
No. of minor first aids |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of searches |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of preventatives |
6 |
17 |
|
No. of people involved |
10 |
127 |
|
Peak head count |
14 |
177 |
|
Hours on patrol |
169 |
276 |
Southern Region:
|
|
25 November, 2023 |
26 November, 2023 |
|
No. of people rescued |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of people assisted |
1 |
0 |
|
No. of major first aids |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of minor first aids |
5 |
5 |
|
No. of searches |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of preventatives |
28 |
48 |
|
No. of people involved |
109 |
201 |
|
Peak head count |
245 |
175 |
|
Hours on patrol |
581 |
612 |
SLSNZ Beach and Coastal Safety Messages
- Know How To Float
If you don’t know how to float, don’t go into the water. Just being able to float when you are in the water can increase your chance of survival. Floating allows you to calm yourself and keep your airways out of the water. Practice or get some lessons in the pool before you head to the beach.
- Find The Safest Place To Swim
Check safeswim.org.nz to find a lifeguarded beach, and always swim between the red and yellow flags.
- If In Doubt, Stay Out
Waves can be bigger than they look, and weather conditions can change quickly. If you feel uncomfortable about getting into the water, stay out.
- Take Care of Others
Always keep children within arm’s reach in or near the water. Waves can move quickly and unexpectedly and can knock kids off their feet and sweep them away.
- Know How to Get Help
If someone in the water is in trouble and surf lifeguards are on patrol, let them know. If you can’t see any surf lifeguards, call 111 and ask for police. If you’re in the water and in trouble yourself, signal for help.