Fishermen Lucky To Be Alive After Daring Evening Rescue

A complex rescue of two fishermen at Bethells beach last night wrapped up a busy weekend for surf lifeguards, who completed 26 rescues over the weekend.

Two fishermen are lucky to be alive today thanks to Bethells surf lifeguards and SAR squad. In a difficult rescue, surf lifeguards extracted them from the blowhole at O’Neills Bay, just north of Bethells, after one was swept off the rocks just before 7:30pm last night. Two other fishermen somehow got the injured and unconscious man back onto the rocks and one walked back to the beach to alert surf lifeguards.

With two metre-plus swells making it impossible to get an inflatable rescue boat (IRB) close enough, an incoming tide and fast-reducing light, rescue swimmers assisted by a jetski swam the two fishermen from the rocks to the safety of the IRB. The Westpac Rescue helicopter hovered above for the second rescue watching sea conditions and assisted with the timing of jetski pick-up.

The two men were brought back to shore and handed over to ambulance for further assessment and transport. 

Operations Manager, Northern Region, James Lea, who was involved in the rescue, says the rescue was more complex due to the rough and heavy surf conditions and the fact the fishermen weren’t wearing lifejackets.

“This is one of the most dangerous spots in New Zealand and given the time of day, conditions and the fact they weren’t wearing lifejackets this very well could have been a tragedy.”

Thankfully, the Bethells Evening Summer Trial (BEST) which sees senior surf lifeguards observing the beach, meant surf lifeguards able to respond quickly enough to save the men.

“I’d like to thank the surf lifeguards involved who braved rough conditions and falling light to bring these men back to their families,” says James.

Meanwhile, on Saturday Muriwai surf lifeguards cared for a patient with deep cut to her thigh from a surfboard fin. Pukehina surf lifeguards provided CPR for a patient at Newdicks Beach. Levin-Waitarere surf lifeguards cared for a patient with an injured shoulder and Spencer Park surf lifeguards cared for a person with large gash to her leg after colliding with a log in the surf. On Sunday Kariaotahi surf lifeguards drove four kilometres along the beach to rescue a group of swimmers. 

Images:  Surf lifeguards rescued two fishermen on Saturday night

Weekend Patrol Statistics:

Aggregated patrol statistics (national):

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.