News
Inflatables and Rips the Big Hazards During the Weekend
Monday, 25 November 2024Two people were rescued by surf lifeguards over the weekend. In Omanu (Mount Maunganui, Tauranga) a young girl was rescued when she floated out of her depth on her inflatable, while in Ōpunake a swimmer was rescued in the trail race rip.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) Eastern Regional Manager Avan Polo cautioned that while inflatable kayaks, dinghies, and pool toys might be convenient, lightweight, and fun they also come with risk.
“As we saw over the weekend, strong currents and winds can easily blow them out to sea, where you can quickly find yourself out of your depth and far away from shore.
“Even on the calmest beaches, using inflatable pool toys could be dangerous if an offshore breeze sweeps you or your children out to sea very quickly.”
Avan acknowledged teenage lifeguard Mitchell Bishop-Everett (15) who was involved in the rescue.
“If you find yourself swept out of your depth on an inflatable you should try to stay calm,” said Avan.
“Stay on the inflatable and signal for help by putting your hand up to attract attention from lifeguards, surfers or someone on the beach who can get help.”
During the weekend, volunteer lifeguards across New Zealand took 262 preventative actions involving 6182 people.
Today the Paid Lifeguard Service starts at Bethells Beach and Raglan. North Piha starts on Monday 2 December, and Ōrewa, Karekare, and Kariaotahi from Monday 9 December.
Weekend Patrol Statistics:
Aggregated patrol statistics (national):
|
|
Sat 23 Nov |
Sun 24 Nov |
Aggregated |
|
No. of rescues performed |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
No. of people assisted |
3 |
1 |
4 |
|
No. of major first aids |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of minor first aids |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
No. of searches |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
No. of preventatives |
121 |
141 |
262 |
|
No. of people involved |
2,470 |
2,538 |
5,008 |
|
No. of peak head count |
1,262 |
1,259 |
2,521 |
|
No. of hours worked |
2,115 |
1,676 |
3,791 |
Northern Region:
Saturday: Nothing of note.
Sunday: Surf lifeguards at Ruakākā in Northland were involved in the response to the stranding of approximately 40 pilot whales 200m south of the clubhouse around 5.30pm.
|
|
Saturday |
Sunday |
|
No. of people rescued |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of people assisted |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of major first aids |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of minor first aids |
0 |
3 |
|
No. of searches |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of preventatives |
61 |
101 |
|
No. of people involved |
350 |
824 |
|
Peak Head Count + Location + Time |
940 |
500 |
|
Total Hours Worked |
1014 |
920 |
Eastern Region:
Saturday: Nothing of note.
Sunday: Surf lifeguards at Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving Club performed a rescue and an assist today, helping a young girl back to shore after she floated out past her depth on an inflatable pool toy.
|
|
Saturday |
Sunday |
|
No. of people rescued |
0 |
1 |
|
No. of people assisted |
1 |
1 |
|
No. of major first aids |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of minor first aids |
1 |
1 |
|
No. of searches |
1 |
0 |
|
No. of preventatives |
29 |
28 |
|
No. of people involved |
1910 |
1628 |
|
Peak Head Count + Location + Time |
135 |
360 |
|
Total Hours Worked |
340 |
504 |
Central Region:
Saturday: Nothing of note.
Sunday: Surf lifeguards at Ōpunake in the Taranaki region rescued a swimmer caught in a rip.
|
|
Saturday |
Sunday |
|
No. of people rescued |
0 |
1 |
|
No. of people assisted |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of major first aids |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of minor first aids |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of searches |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of preventatives |
3 |
8 |
|
No. of people involved |
14 |
80 |
|
Peak Head Count + Location + Time |
77 |
300 |
|
Total Hours Worked |
121 |
226 |
Southern Region:
Saturday: Nothing of note.
Sunday: Surf lifeguards at Taylors Mistake responded to reports of a surfer in potential distress approximately 1km off Boulder Bay. They were stood down by police after the person made it safely to shore on their own.
|
|
Saturday |
Sunday |
|
No. of people rescued |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of people assisted |
2 |
0 |
|
No. of major first aids |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of minor first aids |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of searches |
0 |
0 |
|
No. of preventatives |
28 |
4 |
|
No. of people involved |
196 |
6 |
|
Peak Head Count + Location + Time |
110 |
99 |
|
Total Hours Worked |
640 |
26 |
Key Safety Messages: 2024/25 season
1. Know How To Float - Me Mōhio koe me Pēhea te Mānu
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. It is also the first thing to do if you get caught in a rip.
If you don’t know how to float well, practice or get some lessons in a pool before you head to the beach - being able to float is a key skill when learning to swim. Anyone can learn to float but some people may take a little longer to learn.
2. Find The Safest Place To Swim - Kimihia te Wāhi Haumaru Rawa Ki Te Kaukau
Remember if you are heading to the beach, check www.safeswim.org.nz to find a lifeguarded beach, and always swim between the red and yellow flags, which show the safest place to swim. The surf lifeguards are there to help keep beachgoers safe, by keeping a constant eye on sea as they continuously scan for hazards or people in difficulty, keeping on top of weather forecasts and understanding the swell and tide conditions too.
3. If In Doubt, Stay Out - Mehemea e Rangirua Ana, Me Noho Ki Waho
Waves can be bigger than they look, dangerous rip currents are hard to spot and weather conditions can be unpredictable. If you feel uncomfortable about getting into the water, stay out. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Too many people get into trouble in the water because they overestimate their abilities and underestimate the conditions.
4. Take Care of Others - Tiakina te Tangata
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. Everyone has different levels of ability, so watch out for your mates too.
5. Know How to Get Help - Me Mōhio koe me Pēhea te Kimi Āwhina
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. Police have a direct line to surf lifeguards and others who can help.
If you’re in the water and in trouble yourself, signal for help.