A surfer caught in massive swells off New Plymouth's Fitzroy Beach was safely rescued yesterday afternoon, thanks to a concerned member of the public and swift work by local surf lifeguards.
The alarm was raised at about 3:20 pm on Sunday. A bystander noticed the surfer appearing unable to return to shore in the challenging sea conditions and called the police. The surfer was roughly 200 metres offshore at the time.
Conditions were rough, with winds estimated at 30 to 40 knots whipping up swells of around two metres.
Taranaki Police Search and Rescue Detective Nathan Hessell said his team immediately contacted Surf Life Saving New Zealand.
Fitzroy Surf Life Saving Club volunteers promptly deployed an inflatable rescue boat to the area. Three lifeguards responded to the callout, with two heading out on the water and one coordinating onshore with an all-terrain vehicle.
The surfer was successfully pulled from the water 40 minutes after surf lifeguards were notified. Ambulance staff assessed and treated him at the scene. He was very cold but did not require transport to Taranaki Base Hospital.
Detective Hessell credited the successful outcome to the bystander who spoke up.
"We're grateful to the member of the public who called Police after recognising the surfer may be in difficulty," he said. "Their quick actions helped get assistance deployed promptly."
He also praised the Fitzroy surf lifeguards who navigated the rough seas to carry out the rescue. He described the conditions as extremely challenging due to the strong winds and significant swells.
"Surf Life Saving's swift and professional response ensured the surfer was brought safely back to shore," Detective Hessell said. "We're pleased this incident had a positive outcome and thank everyone involved for their efforts."
Police are reminding anyone planning to head into the water along the Taranaki coastline to check weather and sea conditions beforehand, understand their limits and always take appropriate safety precautions.
