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Maritime police are patrolling some popular North Island beaches following reports of jetskiers traveling too fast and too close to swimmers.
Photo: RNZ / Claire Eastham-Farrelly
It’s been a busy start to the year for lifeguards as thousands of people flock to the northern beaches.
The North Surf Life Saving region said there were multiple reports from Auckland’s east coast beaches, such as Orewa, Wenderholm and Takapuna, of wayward jet ski drivers traveling at high speeds near swimmers.
Operations manager Alan Gibson said there were 12 incidents yesterday.
On the North Island, eight swimmers they were rescued yesterday in Piha, Mangawhai Heads and Muriwai.
Lifeguards also helped 18 swimmers before they ran into serious difficulties.
Lifesaving manager Ari Peach said in a statement that there were two serious incidents on Auckland’s west coast beaches.
A 14-year-old girl was injured when she was thrown by a wave in Muriwai and minutes later, a 13-year-old girl was barely conscious after swallowing a large amount of water in Piha.
They were taken to the hospital by the Westpac rescue helicopter.
