bp Rescues of the Month: December

Central Region: Opunake SLSC 

Lifeguards: Joe Edwards, Michael DeBique, Mahlee Campbell, Charlie Rankin 

This Christmas day incident highlighted the adaptability and readiness of lifeguards, transitioning from a high-risk surf rescue to a critical medical response within minutes. 

At 5.35pm on 25 December at the south side of Opunake Beach, a surfer was spotted from the patrol tower struggling in a rip near rocks at low tide and with 1.5-2m choppy surf. Head Guard Joe Edwards raised the alarm, and within 30 seconds an IRB crewed by Charlie Rankin and Mahlee Campbell launched and navigated close to rocks in the challenging conditions. The surfer was recovered, returned safely to shore, assessed, and provided with advice before rejoining family members. 

Less than 10 minutes later, Edwards was alerted via the GoodSAM app to a nearby resuscitation on Fox Street. Grabbing resuscitation equipment, a defibrillator and off-duty lifeguard Michael DeBique, who was at the beach with his family, the pair responded by ATV. They were second on scene and immediately attached the defibrillator, administered oxygen, and delivered compressions, ventilations and three shocks until FENZ and St John arrived. The patient was successfully resuscitated and flown to hospital by rescue helicopter. 

Emergency services later confirmed that early defibrillation and oxygen therapy were critical to the positive outcome. The rapid transition from surf rescue to medical emergency demonstrated exceptional preparedness, teamwork and lifesaving capability.  

Northern Region: Bethells Beach SLSP 

Lifeguards: Shane Dwyer, Andrew Carr, James Lea, Shane Coward, Jen Knight, Daniel Harvey, Tasha Harvey, Nick Devcich, Lyn Maxlow, Tom Kearney, Sam McIver, Vicky Bethell and Paul Whittington 

After sunset and without helicopter support, Bethells Beach SAR lifeguards were tasked by Police to respond to three missing men caught in a rip on 7 December. The rescue was conducted in moderate surf (1.5–2m), low light conditions (just after 9pm) and with the patients missing for approximately 40 minutes. 

Lifeguards completed a dynamic risk assessment on scene, confirmed with SurfCom and the National Duty Officer that no helicopter assistance was available, and determined a safe search and rescue could be undertaken. Two IRBs were deployed, with crews launching after diving approximately 800 metres from the club to a mid-beach launch site. 

Using systematic in-water searching and advanced IRB driving skills, lifeguards located and individually recovered all three patients from a wide search area. The patients were hypothermic, had swallowed water and were assessed as status three. Lifeguards delivered advanced first aid, including detailed vital sign assessment and hypothermia management, before handing over to ambulance staff. Two patients were transported to hospital. 

Strong leadership, clear communication, and continuous dynamic risk assessment ensured the complex operation was executed safely in near darkness. Any delay would likely have resulted in a fatal outcome, making this a standout example of coordinated, high-risk surf rescue. 

Northern Region: Raglan SLSC 

Lifeguards: Olivia Moroney-Pearson, Cherie Moroney-Pearson, Curtis Cosh, Daniel Wilson, Blake Porteous and remaining patrol lifeguards 

On 14 December surf lifeguards responded to a critical paediatric emergency in a remote, non-patrolled area with limited access and no communications. A four-year-old child had been pulled from the water at Raglan Harbour unconscious and not breathing. 

The Patrol Captain quickly developed a multi-access response plan, deploying teams via both road and beach routes and ensuring all responders carried first aid equipment due to uncertainty around arrival times – the harbour location is approximately 5km from the surf lifesaving club. On arrival, lifeguards integrated immediately into patient care alongside an ER nurse already on scene, applying paediatric resuscitation and airway management. 

Lifeguards provided additional medical capability, including oxygen therapy that was not initially available, and maintained continuous risk assessments. Clear communication was maintained with SurfCom, while lifeguards coordinated with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, establishing a safe landing zone and relaying accurate patient information. 

Throughout the incident, remaining patrol lifeguards continued managing flagged areas and other minor incidents, ensuring public safety was maintained. The child was stabilised and transported to hospital breathing, conscious and responsive. 

Eastern Region: Waihi Beach LS 

Lifeguards: Christiaan Maarhuis, Luke Butler, Jessica Meade and Rhys Ward 

Well after patrol hours on 30 December, four off-duty lifeguards identified five people caught in a large rip near the surf club in deteriorating evening conditions. Earlier in the day, multiple swimmers had already been moved from the same area due to strong currents, large waves and an outgoing tide. 

Recognising the immediate risk, Christiaan Maarhuis and Luke Butler grabbed rescue boards and paddled out to the group, while Jessica Meade contacted SurfCom to formally log the incident and Rhys Ward prepared an RWC as a contingency asset. One swimmer was identified as being in significant difficulty and prioritised for rescue, secured to a rescue board and guided safely back to shore through strong swells. The remaining swimmers were supported and directed to safety. 

Once ashore, lifeguards conducted patient checks. While fatigued and distressed, none required ambulance care. The team then shifted into preventative mode, engaging with around 20 additional swimmers still entering the water and advising them of the hazardous rip. All complied, preventing further incidents. 

This rescue demonstrated strong situational awareness, effective role allocation, clear communication and decisive action in an after-hours environment. Without the lifeguards’ presence and immediate response, the incident could have escalated into a multiple-fatality event.  

Congratulations to our December winners! 

If your club has been involved in an exceptional rescue, we encourage you to nominate it for bp Rescue of the Month. Submit your nomination via the online form here.