Water safety training starts with timely rescue at remote Far North beach
A team of lifeguards running water safety sessions had to put their skills into action to rescue a kayaker in trouble at a remote Far North beach on Monday afternoon.
Waipu Cove Surf Life Saving Club has teamed up with Pat Millar from Operation Flotation to run the public education training at popular Northland beaches this week.
But before the team could set up for their first lesson at Tauranga Bay, their lifesaving skills were needed to help a kayaker.
Club captain Kath Manning said the 12 volunteers arrived at the beach before their 3pm session when they noticed a group of kayakers in distress.
The conditions were windy and choppy, and one of the kayakers was in the water and unable to get back into their kayak, she said.
The remaining kayakers were trying to help but the kayak had no bung and was basically sinking. They were too far out for the person to swim back to shore, Manning said.
The lifeguards launched their inflatable rescue boat (IRB) and were able to bring the person, and the kayak, back to shore before hypothermia set in, she said.
“They were very grateful that we happened to turn up at the right time.”
Tauranga Bay is not usually patrolled by lifeguards, with the only Surf Life Saving club in the Far North at Ahipara on the west coast.
Manning credited the group of kayakers for all wearing lifejackets but said the conditions were not right for going out and their equipment should’ve been checked for seaworthiness.
“If in doubt, stay out” is one of the five key beach safety messages Surf Life Saving wants to get out this summer, she said.
The others are:
- know how to float
- find the safest place to swim
- take care of others
- know how to get help.
After the kayak rescue, the lifesavers were able to run their water safety education, with about 50 people learning how to spot a rip, practising first aid and taking part in games, Manning said.
They were also taught how to safely use public rescue equipment, now installed at more than 70 beaches around the country thanks to Operation Flotation.
The charity was founded by Cable Bay resident Pat Millar, after the death of her whānau member Wairongoa ‘Magoo’ Renata in 2018, who drowned in Cable Bay while saving his daughter.
Millar learnt the best advice is for rescuers to take a flotation device with them, so she set up Operation Flotation to have the lifesaving equipment available at beaches.
Manning said if someone is in trouble in the water, people should call police on 111 and attempt a rescue only if they are a confident swimmer and have a flotation device.
“If you take the rescue buoy, you yourself will be safe and the person you get to can be helped.”
The free beach education sessions run through the drill and enable people to try using the Operation Flotation equipment in a safe environment, she said.
“There have been so many water incidents across the country, we’re trying to push education as much as possible to help reduce the drowning toll.”
Manning said the Waipu Cove Surf Life Saving Club volunteers, including two lifeguards on exchange from California, are also having plenty of fun in the Far North during the tour.
The sessions continue today at Te Ngaere Bay, also from 3pm.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.