bp Rescue of the Month - March 

All those rescued by our March bp Rescue of the Month winners were incredibly lucky that surf lifeguards were at the scene to assist them. On both occasions off-duty surf lifeguards sprung to action applying teamwork and skill to bring people in trouble to safety. 

bp New Zealand Head of Country Haley Mahoney says that it shows that the service of surf lifeguards isn’t just confined to when they’re on shift. 

“Surf lifeguards dedicate countless hours to keeping people safer on our beaches over the warmer months. And even when not on shift they step up and act promptly to help those in need.” 

“Communities across the country benefit in so many ways from the skilled and dedicated surf lifeguarding community who step up whenever they can to keep people safer.” 

East End Surf Lifesaving Club, New Plymouth 

While on his way to a pre-patrol briefing, second-season surf lifeguard Tim Balo noticed a man lying face down on the reserve opposite the club room. He immediately notified his patrol captain and, along with fellow surf lifeguard Keira Johnstone, went to assist.  

Tim and Kiera’s training kicked in as they assessed the man, who was breathing but unresponsive, and called for an ambulance. Patrol Captain, Guy Honnor arrived with additional medical equipment, and together they kept the man safe and warm, monitoring his vitals with the help of a local doctor. The team placed the patient in the recovery position and awaited the ambulance. Once paramedics arrived, the team completed a comprehensive handover and then started their shift supporting the rest of the team to patrol the beach.  

Veteran lifeguard Guy praised both surf lifeguards particularly commending Tim for his performance in his second year as a qualified surf lifeguard. 

Muriwai Surf Life Saving Club, Auckland 

An off-duty surf lifeguard, with the help of a local surfer, successfully undertook a mass rescue at Muriwai Beach, bringing four swimmers caught in a rip safely back to shore. 

While enjoying Sunday evening on Muriwai Beach, off-duty surf lifeguard Glenn Gowthorpe spotted two family groups caught in a rip and calling for help. The experienced off-duty surf lifeguard quickly grabbed a surfboard left behind on the beach and enlisted the help of a local dad who was giving his daughter a surf lesson nearby. 

As he reached the water, Glenn asked another beachgoer to call 111, before he paddled out on the borrowed board toward the swimmers. As he reached the group, he secured one swimmer onto the surfboard, taking him to the local man, who had paddled out to assist. He then warned other family members who were trying to help to return to shore immediately, preventing them from becoming additional patients in the powerful rip. 

One-by-one, Glenn brought the three remaining swimmers to safety. He then returned to retrieve the initial swimmer left with the local helper. He guided both the swimmer and the volunteer helper back to shore, where members of the public assisted with carrying the patient up the beach. 

Meanwhile, emergency services arrived on the scene. The Muriwai Volunteer Fire Brigade (Fire and Emergency NZ) and the Muriwai First Response team from Hato Hone St John arrived to assist with medical care. Paramedics and first responders treated the patients on the beach. All four patients were transported to hospital by ambulance.