bp Rescue of the Month November 2025 winner - Piha SLSC

Surf Life Saving New Zealand has named a dramatic night search and rescue off Piha Beach as the bp Rescue of the Month winner for November, recognising the exceptional skill, collaboration and decision-making that brought a young surfer home safely in extremely challenging conditions.  

In the early evening on 25 November, three surfers were in waist-deep water at Piha Beach when conditions changed. As two headed safely back to shore, one was pulled by a rip near Lion Rock, eventually drifting out approximately 1.5 kms. 

At approximately 8.00pm and with daylight fading and visibility reducing quickly, the two called 111 and Maritime Police tasked the Piha SAR Squad alongside the Eagle. Lifeguards who responded were; Jon Palby, Jessika Wanden Hannay, Iolo John, Michale Lockie, Harry Chick, and the Piha area SAR squad. 

In darkness, the Piha SAR squad launched two IRBs (inflatable rescue boats) equipped with night rescue kits and navigated heavy surf to search, while other surf lifeguards began land-based scanning. Overhead, Eagle had arrived and joined the effort, sweeping the area. 

Unable to locate the surfer in the dark, the two IRBs returned to shore. Eagle continued to search, using infrared cameras to support them, however time was an urgent factor in locating the 21-year-old man. The team used SurfCom to relay messages to Eagle and later worked together with an on-scene police officer to liaise directly, and they were able to advise Eagle of the rip north of Lion Rock that heads straight out to sea. 

At approximately 9.00pm, Eagle had success in locating the surfer, who was spotted at the southern end of South Piha beach, a significant distance from where he had been surfing. Eagle held position and illuminated the area, guiding the IRBs through the dark surf to reach the patient, who was still on his board and waving for help. 

The surfer was recovered and returned safely to shore by the IRB crews, cold and hypothermic after more than an hour in the water, but conscious. He was given immediate first aid treatment by lifeguards before being transported to hospital. He has since been discharged from hospital. 

Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s General Manager of Lifesaving, Andy Kent, said; “Executing an offshore rescue in the dark is complex; it takes cool heads and clear communication. The Piha surf lifeguards demonstrated why they are among the best responders on our coastline, and their excellent collaboration with the Eagle team saved this young man’s life.”  

The patient’s mother later shared her gratitude, saying the coordinated response meant her son was able to return home safely when his chances of survival were rapidly diminishing.  

Haley Mahoney, bp New Zealand’s Head of Country, says; “This rescue at Piha is a powerful reminder of what surf lifeguards do when the risks are high. 

“At bp, we’re proud to support Surf Life Saving New Zealand because these volunteers are there for their communities when it matters most. Whether it’s a complex night rescue like this, or the countless preventative actions taken every day, surf lifeguards play a vital role in keeping people safer on our coasts, and we’re committed to backing that work.” 

More excellent November rescues from around the country: 

Taylor’s Mistake SLSC 

Off-duty lifeguards Sarah Cook and Craig Jarvis independently identified a swimmer being rapidly drawn into a powerful rip following post-storm conditions. Through swift decision-making, coordinated public assistance and multi-agency communication, the semi-conscious patient was rescued and stabilised with oxygen before ambulance arrival, preventing a likely fatal outcome. 

East End SLSC  

Just after a junior surf training session finished, lifeguards Hayden Corkhill and Portia Mason identified three swimmers caught in a rip. Using paddleboards set up for safety cover and coordinating support from parent helpers on SUPs, they safely returned all swimmers to shore before the situation escalated.  

Raglan SLSC  

After patrol had officially ended, Raglan lifeguards identified multiple patients in serious difficulty at Ngarunui Beach. Rapid action, early SAR activation and seamless teamwork enabled five people to be rescued, including one unconscious patient who required hospital care.  

Thank you to all our lifeguards across the country for your continued commitment to keeping people safe.

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bp Rescue of the Month is awarded through nominations from Surf Life Saving clubs to celebrate all our rescues and to acknowledge the vital role of lifeguards who keep communities safe both on and beyond patrol hours.  

The winners demonstrate exceptional application of surf lifesaving skills, decision-making under pressure and strong coordination with emergency services.