Surf lifeguard action over the weekend in the Eastern Region included responding to a plane crash in Whangamatā and a two-metre shark cruising through the flagged area in Whakatane.

On Saturday, surf lifeguards on patrol at Whangamatā were called to assist after reports of a light plane crash at Tokakahakaka Island, between Whangamatā and Onemana.

“They responded by Rescue Water Craft (RWC – jet skis) and confirmed there was nobody unaccounted for in the water, while Fire and Emergency New Zealand and ambulance services responded by land,” a Surf Life Saving New Zealand Eastern Region spokesperson said.

The next day, a two-metre shark caused a temporary beach closure at Whakatāne after being spotted cruising through the flagged area.

“Lifeguards acted promptly to protect swimmers, closing the beach until it was safe to reopen.

“On the same day, they rescued a kitesurfer who had crashed and lost their board, reaffirming their commitment to public safety across a wide range of scenarios.”

At Mount Maunganui on Sunday, surf lifeguards responded to reports of a person rolling her ankle on Mauao, with the Mauao Response Team taking her down to an ambulance on standby.

Volunteer surf lifeguards in the Eastern Region worked a total of 544 hours on Saturday with 43 preventive actions, three minor first aids, one person assisted and 1394 people involved.

On Sunday, they worked 906 hours with three people rescued, three assisted, one major first aid, nine minor first aids, 48 preventives and 3395 people involved.

Surf Lifesaving NZ reminds people to swim between the flags. Photo / SLSNZ

The weekend had a dramatic start, with off-duty surf lifeguards from the Sunset Beach Surf Lifesaving Club in Port Waikato involved in a mass rescue incident at Port Waikato on Friday evening.

Three children and an adult were in serious difficulty after being caught in a rip on the unpatrolled beach, having entered the water in 1.2-2m turbulent surf.

They were spotted by six off-duty lifeguards from the Sunset Beach Surf Lifesaving Club, who responded immediately, entering the water with a rescue board and rescue tubes to successfully rescue the four people.

SLSNZ general manager – northern region Zac Franich said the swimmers were incredibly lucky surf lifeguards happened to be in the vicinity, outside surf lifeguard patrol hours.

“Had they not been spotted by off-duty surf lifeguards, it is likely they would have drowned,” he said.

“Our message has always been that beachgoers should always swim at actively patrolled beaches, and always swim between the red and yellow flags, which show the safest place to swim at a beach.”

Three patients were brought from the water in a stable but shaken condition, but one was taken out in a semiconscious state and was flown to hospital by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

Franich praised the dedication and adaptability of the lifeguards involved.

“These wide-ranging incidents reflect the critical role surf lifeguards play in protecting New Zealanders and visitors alike. From shark sightings to aviation accidents, our lifeguards are always ready to respond with professionalism and care,” he said.

Volunteer surf lifeguards worked 6526 hours on Saturday and Sunday.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand lifeguards using an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB). Photo / SLSNZ

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, practise 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. They keep a constant eye on the sea, continuously scanning for hazards or people in difficulty, keeping on top of weather forecasts and understanding the swell and tide conditions.

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.

Glossary of terms:

Rescue: Where a person requires immediate help to return to shore (or place of safety) and who without intervention would have suffered distress, injury or drowning. They are unable to remove themselves from the situation by themselves.

Assist: Where a person requires assistance to return to shore but would most likely be able to get themselves out of danger and where there is no immediate threat to life.

Minor first aid: Any incident where a patient is administered some form of minor medical treatment – minor cut, bluebottle sting, minor strain or sprains.

Major first aid: Any incident where a patient needs a higher level of medical intervention. This could result in further medical treatment or the patient being handed to another agency (ambulance or medical professional).

Search: Any organised search for a missing person or group at sea or on land. This includes body recovery.

Preventive action: Where a surf lifeguard identifies a potentially dangerous situation and takes precautionary action to prevent the situation from developing into or contributing to a real emergency, for example:

- Shifting the flagged area during the day due to a change in conditions.

- Preventing swimmers from entering a rip or hole.

- Removing or isolating broken glass or other hazards from the beach.

- Checking on swimmers who may appear to be in difficulty.

- Clearing the beach of swimmers due to a suspected shark sighting.

- Shifting board and ski riders out of the flagged area.

- SunLive