Family saved on West Auckland beach in 5th water rescue this week

A family that was swept out to sea at Bethells Beach this afternoon was very lucky that two off-duty lifeguards were nearby, says the local club captain.

It was the fifth serious incident on Auckland’s west coast this week.

Surf Lifesaving Club captain Leonard Mead said a mother and two teenage sons went swimming at O’Neills Beach shortly before 1 p.m.

“Two off-duty lifeguards were walking along the beach and warned them about the area they were going to,” he said.

“It is very inaccessible and we have had several rescues there over the last two years.”

At 1 p.m., police told the club’s call squad that the family had been swept into the sea.

A surfer helped two of the swimmers to the shallow water and the third person was able to swim out.

“When our first responders arrived, the mother in particular was having difficulty breathing,” Mead said.

First responders administered first aid while the Auckland Westpac rescue helicopter was called in. The mother was airlifted to Auckland hospital in serious condition.

The teens were treated at the clubhouse and taken to the hospital. St John Ambulance said they were in moderate condition.

“These guys were very lucky because two of our guards were literally across the street from the club when the call came in,” Mead said.

“That is relatively abnormal during the week, people tend to be at least 10-15 minutes apart and still have to get to the beach.

“If that luck doesn’t exist that day, then the outcome for someone who gets into trouble when not on patrol is not good.”

The rescue capped off a bad week on the west coast beaches.

Two people were killed and three separate rescues were carried out.

“It’s really very disturbing for us, it’s not even summer yet,” Mead said.

“Unguarded beaches on the west coast should be avoided.”

A woman died on Whites Beach in Anawhata after falling into the water on Tuesday. On Monday, a fisherman disappeared from Kauwahaia Island on O’Neills Beach.

Four swimmers were rescued at Piha yesterday after being sucked through the keyhole, and the swimmer needed help at Muriwai Beach.

“We are withdrawing volunteers from the emergency call squads to put themselves at risk and help these people,” Mead said.

He said O’Neills Beach had the “perfect storm” of hazards for inexperienced swimmers.

It was surrounded by rocks on both sides, creating significant water movement and rips. It also had a sand bar in the middle of the bay, which moved continuously due to the large volumes of water propelled by the strong waves.

Surf Living Saving officials said this week that the number of people heading to the beach has increased dramatically due to the end of Covid-19 restrictions and warmer weather.