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John Velvin / Things
There were eight rescues at Piha, Mangawhai Heads and Muriwai beaches. (File photo)
Two teenagers spent the first day of 2021 in hospital after encountering strong waves off Auckland’s west coast, a stark warning for Kiwis to respect the ocean this summer.
In Piha, a 13-year-old girl swallowed a large amount of water leaving her barely conscious, and a few minutes later in Muriwai a 14-year-old girl was severely thrown by a wave.
Both girls were taken to the hospital in the Westpac rescue helicopter.
Surf Life Saving Northern Region manager Ari Peach said the incidents were part of nearly 800 preventative actions involving lifeguards, affecting more than 4,300 bathers.
READ MORE:
* Auckland lifeguard weekday patrols come to an end in Muriwai, Piha
* New Zealand’s 10 Most Dangerous Patrolled Beaches Ranked
* Backyard Pranks: 6 Things To Avoid Near Water This Summer
More than 11,000 people flocked to the region’s 22 patrolled beaches on New Year’s Day, with guards busy on both coasts.
In total, there were eight rescues at Piha, Mangawhai Heads and Muriwai beaches.
Rescuers also assisted 18 swimmers before they ran into serious difficulties and carried out 36 first aid actions, including nine major interventions.
Meanwhile, on the east coast, wayward jet skis operating at high speeds were a hazard to swimmers in Omaha, Takapuna, Orewa, Wenderholm, and Mangawhai Heads.
Lawrence Smith / Stuff
The waves off Auckland’s west coast are notoriously dangerous for part-time beach goers.
“Mangawhai guards also came to the aid of a man who sustained injuries to his neck and head after falling off the dunes,” Peach said.
Around 7 p.m., dangerous surf conditions at Piha forced the flags to be removed, while lifeguards at Muriwai remained on for up to an hour after the flags were lowered to monitor swimmers still on the beach.
Stay safe this summer
- Choose a patrolled beach and swim between the flags.
- Ask a lifeguard for advice
- Don’t overestimate your ability
- Keep small children within easy reach at all times
- Never swim or surf alone
- Be careful of rip currents, they can carry you away from shore
- When fishing from rocks, always wear a life jacket.
- If in doubt, stay out
- If you see someone in trouble, call 111 and ask for the police
- Be smart about the sun: slide, bathe, slap and swaddle.
