Testing times for local search and rescue groups

SEARCH and rescue agencies were put to the test at the weekend as some troubling scenarios unfolded near Dunedin.

The first exercise began on Saturday off Long Beach with a boat in distress that then sank, police search and rescue Sergeant Nathan White said.

Rescues were needed from both sea and land.

The next scenario involved a school group stuck at the Matanaka sea caves at Waikouaiti.

The exercises tested the mettle of more than 20 Surf Life Saving New Zealand search and rescue coordinators and senior squad team members.

They came from around New

Zealand for a surf lifesaving training summit at the weekend.

Teams from LandSAR, Coastguard, Otago Rescue Helicopter and Fire and Emergency New Zealand were also involved.

The surf lifesaving summit continued yesterday with a Taieri River flooding scenario.

Surf Lifesaving OtagoSouthland coordinator Max Corby said the exercise served as an introduction to navigating floodwaters for the volunteers.

Unlike with surf rescue, flood rescue meant that lifesavers needed to learn to take it slow to avoid damage to their inflatable rescue boats, which was a new way of working for the crews.

The weekend’s exercises had been a success with all attendees learning from each other, Mr Corby said. — Additional reporting Oscar Francis

PHOTO: NICKY THIRD On the beach . . . Surf lifesavers using jet skis and inflatable rigid boats are put through their paces at Waikouaiti Beach during training exercises on Saturday.