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A dramatic rescue during which 27 people in 10 minutes were rescued from a tear on a Christchurch beach has led to the recognition of their rescuers.
And back-to-back days of sweltering temperatures in the city this week have patrols on edge again.
Wayne Simmons, president of the Sumner Surf Lifesaving Club (SLSC), urges bathers to swim between the flags after the club received a national award for a massive rescue on December 19.
His crew had been preparing for the crowds that day when the forecast suggested it would be hot and sunny. He greeted the volunteers in a group chat the day before.
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The predictions were spot on, and the crew spent the day “actively lifeguards,” with volunteers in the water and flying the flags.
CHRIS SKELTON / Things
The Sumner Surf Lifesavers have earned recognition after saving 27 people in 10 minutes after a scam caught up with them in December. In the photo from left to right, Per Tonascia, Will Simmons, Lucy van Berlo, Wayne Simmons, Jessica Larson, Jack Simmons and Harry Taylor.
“Initially we took out six people on the north side of the flags, but then the tear developed on the south side,” Simmons said.
Within 10 minutes, all 27 members of the public had returned to shore by inflatable boat, tube or board.
“Having [volunteers] in the water it definitely made a difference, “he said.
“We were ready to go, it was the audience that got caught.”
CHRIS SKELTON / Things
Sumner Surf Lifesaving Club President Wayne Simmons urges people to swim off patrolled beaches to stay safe this summer.
Simmons said that many people could not physically identify a break, as shown in a recent study by Surf Life Saving New Zealand and beach safety experts, so it was vital to stay between the flags.
“The key is that if there are no patrols, people have to consider going into the water.
“Always swim on a guarded beach, always swim between the flags and, when in doubt, do not go out.
Another problem was that the swimmers didn’t realize how far they were drifting, Simmons said.
“People come in, but they don’t look back. They then move away from the marked area and suddenly find themselves in a tear without realizing that they have moved. “
He advised swimmers to line up with an object that is unlikely to move, such as a building, so they can tell when they are adrift.
If you are caught in a breakup, the most important thing to do is relax and remember the three R’s:
- Relax and float to conserve your energy.
- Raise your hand for help.
- Climb up the rip until it stops and you can swim back to shore or help arrives.
Christchurch is expected to be a particular hotspot in the south, with a forecast of 35 ° C on Tuesday and 32 ° C on Wednesday.
