bp Rescue of the Month – February 2026

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) and major partner bp would like to congratulate the winners of February’s bp Rescue of the Month.

This award recognises the skill displayed by surf lifeguards and each rescue highlights the training and dedication of those who are prepared to act quickly to keep others safer in and around the water.

From challenging harbour rescues in strong winds to coordinated responses with emergency services and decisive action outside of patrol hours, February’s rescues demonstrate the wide range of situations surf lifeguards are trained to manage.

bp New Zealand’s Head of Country Haley Mahoney congratulated the February winners.

“Congratulations to the teams from Bethells Beach, Pukehina, Opunake, and Nelson. These rescues highlight the calm decision-making, teamwork and skill that lifeguards bring to every situation. bp is proud to support Surf Life Saving New Zealand and recognise the volunteers who go above and beyond to protect their communities.”

bp Rescue of the Month Winner: Bethells Beach SLSP

Mason Dray-Hogg, Rosie Hardacre, Paul Francois, Bryn Mackie, Zavanna Trethowen and rookie Isabella Barrowman

When a member of the public approached the patrol tower reporting their friend was stranded on rocks near Wigmore Bay suffering severe vertigo, Bethells Beach lifeguards quickly initiated a coordinated response.

Senior lifeguard Paul Francois was first to reach the patient and assess the situation, determining additional resources were required to safely evacuate him across the difficult rocky terrain. Mason Dray-Hogg and Rosie Hardacre launched an IRB with a spinal board and accessed the area via Wigmore Bay, while additional lifeguards maintained the patrolled area and delivered further equipment.

Following a second assessment of the steep rock faces surrounding the bay, the team made the decision to transport the patient by hand across the rocks rather than attempt an IRB extraction. The patient was secured to a spinal board and carefully carried back to Bethells Beach before being transferred by ATV to the surf club’s first aid room.

Lifeguards monitored the patient and conducted further assessments until ambulance crews arrived and transported him to hospital. The rescue demonstrated strong leadership, communication and dynamic risk assessment in challenging terrain while patrol operations continued safely.

bp Rescue of the Month Winner: Pukehina Lifeguard Service

Jayden Harris and Tristan Kempthorne

On 6 February, lifeguards Jayden Harris and Tristan Kempthorne launched an IRB after reports of two people in distress approximately 100 metres offshore at Maketū Beach.

The pair navigated difficult conditions including rocky terrain, fishing activity and strong surge, requiring careful IRB handling and situational awareness. A multi-agency response was coordinated through SurfCom involving Police, FENZ, Hato Hone St John Ambulance and local fire response teams, with a rescue helicopter placed on standby due to the potentially life-threatening situation.

Despite intermittent radio transmission issues, the crew maintained communication and arrived quickly on scene, locating both patients already back on shore. Jayden and Tristan completed primary assessments confirming both individuals were responsive, breathing and stable, allowing ambulance services to be stood down with patients referred for follow-up medical checks.

Their prompt response, safe IRB operation and effective patient care ensured a positive outcome.

bp Rescue of the Month Winner: Opunake Surf Life Saving Club

Ella Griggs and Bella Pivac

While completing IRB training outside of patrol hours at Opunake Beach, Ella Griggs and Bella Pivac noticed a swimmer enter the water in hazardous conditions, including large swell, strong rips and powerful currents.

During the training session the pair observed the swimmer beginning to struggle and being pulled progressively further offshore. As the IRB was not immediately ready for launch, the lifeguards acted quickly, grabbing a rescue tube and entering the water to reach the patient.

Recognising both rescuers would be needed in the water, they directed a newly qualified lifeguard on the beach to remain ashore and await instructions. Working together, Ella and Bella reached the swimmer and safely returned them to shore before conducting an initial patient assessment.

The swimmer was taken to the club’s first aid room where the lifeguards monitored vital signs until the patient had recovered sufficiently to leave. Their awareness, teamwork and willingness to act outside of patrol hours ensured the swimmer returned safely to shore.

bp Rescue of the Month Winner: Nelson Surf Life Saving Club

Jayd Cosmatos, Noah Hosie, Aaron Lyttle, Oscar Cogger and Ariana McGee

Nelson Surf Life Saving Club’s SAR team responded to a series of rescues over one challenging weekend in Nelson Harbour, including several incidents occurring back-to-back.

One call involved a kite surfer swept far offshore who was completely exhausted by the time the crew reached him. In another incident, a couple and their dog were stranded on a yacht after their tender boat was swept away. Lifeguards safely transferred them to an IRB and returned them to shore.

While returning to base, the team responded to a third call involving a capsized surf ski before assisting the paddler and recovering the craft.

Later, while returning from a training exercise with the Nelson Rescue Helicopter, the team spotted a small boat in serious difficulty near the Boulder Bank. On board was a young family of four, including two preschool children. Strong winds and waves were swamping the vessel and the children were already showing signs of hypothermia.

The SAR team escorted the family safely back through the harbour entrance and onto shore, where they were wrapped in blankets and warmed. The weekend highlighted the capability of the SAR crew and the importance of coordination with Police, SurfCom and other emergency services during complex maritime incidents.