Mass rescue and Easter crowds a busy end to season for Mangawhai lifeguards

 

A mass rescue at Mangawhai Heads surf beach on March 30 was just part of a very busy weekend for Mangawhai Heads Volunteers Lifeguard Service (MHVLS) members. 

With beautiful weather and a clean 1.5-2.0m swell running, the main beach was packed with beachgoers all enjoying the Easter break.

The magical conditions attracted record numbers, around 500, to the beach and a constant flow of swimmers in the flagged area.

Lifeguards had been busy maintaining a safe area between the flags when a strong flash rip started to drag swimmers out to sea. 

A speedy response from the team saw six MHVLS lifeguards along with an IRB retrieve 12 swimmers back to shore.

Mangawhai Heads Volunteers Lifeguard Service club president Jon Drucker said it was as busy as the club had been all summer.

“We were doing constant preventative actions all day and as soon as the low tide approached we saw a quick change in rips and currents. Our guards responded quickly and effectively and everyone was unharmed.”

The rip continued to be a challenge through the weekend but had faded by the Easter Monday. 

The rescue saw an outpouring of support from the club, especially from one of the people rescued. Belynda Groot posted on Facebook: “As one of the people they helped, I'm super grateful and in awe of their selflessness and courage. A huge thanks to all of the amazing lifeguards who give up their own time to keep us all safe!” 

A number of the lifeguards involved were recently qualified and this was their first major rescue. All were very aware of the consequences of such a dangerous rip, and all performed their duties as they were trained.

Some of the guards involved in the mass rescue. Front, Neve Cunningham, Katie Harris, Eamon Buick, Billy Whelan. Back, Ariana Hogan, Jon Drucker, Mike Ardern.