It was a busy weekend for lifeguards up and down the country who helped beachgoers through medical incidents, rescues, shark sightings, and even a person being kicked by a horse.
According to Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) lifeguards spent a combined 8000 hours on patrol this weekend.
During that time, 11 rescues were performed, while first aid was provided to 35 minor and seven major incidents.
In the northern region, SLSNZ said lifeguards were called to assist with a “high number” of people experiencing medical events.
These events included heart difficulties, seizures, and anaphylaxis. Across all incidents, the patients were transferred to ambulances, medical helicopters, or follow-up care by whānau.
“While our core focus is keeping people safe in the water, we are experiencing an increase in the administering of first aid to patients with pre-existing conditions or suffering medical events out of the water,” SLSNZ general manager of lifesaving Andy Kent said.
“Thankfully, our team of volunteer lifeguards are highly trained and continue to provide critical care to beachgoers involved in a wide range of incidents.”
The eastern North Island saw an increase in flag closures following “multiple” bronze whaler shark sightings at Bay of Plenty beaches.
The Mount Maunganui Rescue Water Craft was also called to to help two people to shore after they had gone to Motuotau Island to collect shellfish.
Levin-Waitarere lifeguards helped a person who had a suspected broken leg after being kicked by a horse. The lifeguards provided first-aid to the person while they waited for an ambulance to arrive.
In Christchurch 20 surfers needed to be helped at Scarborough Beach.
Two were rescued by lifeguards, with another 18 helped by an inflatable rescue boat (IRB) after being caught in a rip.
According to SLSNZ, there were over 9000 beachgoers at patrolled beaches during peak hours this weekend. This was neatly double the number of last week (4652).
Lifeguards also took 957 preventative actions, nearly double that of last weekend (576).
