Rescue of the year

A triple lifesaving feat by a group of heroic lifeguards has won them a top surf rescue award.

The lifeguards responded to three after-hours emergencies in a row on Auckland’s Karioitahi beach — plucking a swimmer who lost consciousness from the sea, finding two beachgoers in large surf, and tending to a person badly injured in a head-on motorbike crash.

Their valiant deeds have won Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi the Rescue of the Year Award at the 2017 Surf Life Saving Northern Region Awards of Excellence last night.

Surf Life Saving Northern Region chief executive Matt Williams said quick thinking, preparedness and teamwork made the difference.

“This was a fantastic effort at the end of a long, busy day, and it demonstrates the challenges our volunteers face. Emergencies don’t just happen during patrolled hours and it’s not just about helping people out of trouble in the water.”

About 6pm on January 30, after patrols had stopped, a swimmer got into difficulty. The victim was taken ashore unconscious and given oxygen until medical support arrived.

Then lifeguards were told two beachgoers were missing, possibly in large surf in poor visibility given a setting sun. The pair were found safe after a land and sea search.

Lifeguards were then called to a motorcycle crash that left a person with suspected spinal and pelvic injuries and a badly broken leg.

Nineteen Kariaotahi club members were involved in the rescue, including former Maori All Black rep Jim Coe.