bp Rescues of the Month: April

Major partner bp and Surf Life Saving New Zealand are proud to recognise the capability and expertise showcased by our surf lifeguards as we announce the April bp Rescues of the Month. As this is our final round-up of winners for 2025-26, we’d also like to extend a huge congratulations to all surf lifeguards on the close of a challenging season.

Auckland’s west coast beaches have had a clean sweep in April, with winners from Bethells Beach SLSC, Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi, United North Piha SLSC/Piha Area SAR, and Muriwai VLS. This shows these wild and popular beaches remain hotspots even as the season comes to a close.

bp New Zealand’s Head of Country Haley Mahoney congratulated our winning rescuers.

“Congratulations on these outstanding rescues from Auckland’s west coast, and to all surf lifeguards on the close of the season. These incidents reflect the judgement, teamwork and commitment lifeguards bring to challenging situations. bp is proud to support Surf Life Saving New Zealand and help recognise the volunteers who give so much to make their communities safer.”

Kariaotahi SLSC

Lifeguards: Bradley Walters, Guy Hornblow, Carl Read, Rick Schreuder

After their Easter weekend patrol had concluded, four lifeguards had already packed up their flags and gear when they observed a group of five teenagers in distress at around 4.55pm.

With Bradley Walters acting as on-scene commander coordinating with SurfCom, Carl Read entered the water as a rescue swimmer while Guy Hornblow and Rick Schreuder launched an IRB.

The IRB crew prioritised reaching the patients beyond the surf first, with one patient in particular already starting to lose consciousness. On the way out, the crew were able to deliver flotation devices – a rescue tube and a lifejacket – to two other swimmers within the surf line to help them stay afloat, as Carl reached the third.

Once the most at-risk patients were brought to shore the IRB was relaunched to retrieve the remaining three. Lifeguards immediately commenced medical treatment while waiting for support, and established a helicopter landing zone.

Two ambulances and a rapid response unit were sent, along with a helicopter, and one person was taken to Middlemore Hospital in a serious condition, while four were able to return home.

The crew said the incident could have been much worse, and praised the patient who was hospitalised for doing “everything right” by relaxing as much as possible and floating on her back while caught in the rip - this gave the boat valuable time to reach her.

Bethells Beach SLSC

Lifeguards: Daniel Harvey, Tony Hawke, Katerina Hoffmann, Tasha Harvey, Rebecca Gellatly, Jack Gellatly

On Easter Sunday, while Bethells Beach lifeguards were packing up gear after patrol, SurfCom advised of a major medical emergency at Lake Wainamu, two kilometres away. Six surf lifeguards quickly gathered essential first aid equipment and responded off-road via ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) and the club ute to the lake's dunes.

With multiple emergency services activated, including Hato Hone St John, FENZ, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, lifeguard Daniel Harvey was first on the scene. After completing initial assessments, he identified the patient had a likely fractured femur. Lifeguards administered pain relief, managed the scene, and kept the patient warm while providing critical updates to SurfCom.

Working closely with FENZ and arriving paramedics, the team helped stabilise the patient and assisted with their extraction via ATV to the helicopter landing zone. The seamless patient care, scene management, and inter-agency communication ensured the patient was safely flown to Auckland Hospital.

United North Piha SLSC/Piha Area SAR

Lifeguards involved: Leif Neilson, Kelly Clarke, Nick Haines, Steven Hales

The Piha Area SAR squad responded to a critical medical emergency at United North Piha/ Near Helipad involving a 10-year-old child who had been pulled from the water by members of the public. The patient had inhaled a large volume of water and was slipping in and out of consciousness.

Surf lifeguards and Hato Hone St John First Response personnel arrived swiftly, providing immediate medical support and airway management while coordinating with SurfCom. As the child's condition deteriorated, the decision was made to request a helicopter transfer to Starship Hospital.

Lifeguards maintained scene control and provided continuous care until the patient was safely handed over to the helicopter crew. This response demonstrated strong situational awareness and calm, effective management of a high-stress paediatric emergency, ensuring the vulnerable patient received vital advanced medical care as quickly as possible.

Muriwai VLS

Lifeguards Involved: Glenn Gowthorpe, Craig Smith, Nigel Sorenson, Darrel Watt, Dylan Chapman, Wayne Sutton, Marcus Watt

25/04/2026 14:09 - Muriwai Volunteer Lifeguard Service responded to reports of swimmers in difficulty near States cave by Motutara Island at the southern end of the beach. With limited initial information, the Police Eagle helicopter quickly confirmed two people were stranded on a single surfboard, taking heavy hits from the swell in a highly hazardous rocky area.

Facing a rapidly escalating situation, Muriwai lifeguards launched a Rescue Water Craft (RWC). Coordinating closely with SurfCom, the Police Maritime Unit, and the Eagle helicopter guiding from above, the RWC crew navigated the challenging conditions and rock platforms.

The lifeguards successfully retrieved the distressed swimmer with assistance from the second person on the board, transporting both safely back to shore without injury. The team's technical RWC operation and strong inter-agency coordination were critical in safely extracting the individuals from a highly complex and life-threatening environment.

_ _ _

A big mihi to our April winners and a collective congratulations to all surf lifeguards demonstrating a high level of teamwork and skills for all rescues across this season. Kei te poho kererū mātou i tō mahi. We are really proud of your efforts.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand would like to thank bp for their continued support each season for enabling us to highlight these exceptional rescues.