Lifeguards busy at Himatangi Beach

HIMATANGI Beach lifeguards experienced their busiest opening for many seasons as warm weather and sea conditions attracted eager swimmers to Manawatu’s most popular seaside destination.

Fourteen people were plucked from the surf by lifeguards during the December-January period, as compared to zero rescues for the same period last season and five the year before.

Developing rips and holes at low tide have been responsible for swimmers getting into difficulties.
Palmerston North Surf Life Saving Club captain, Kendall Dooley, said that number of rescues would normally be for a whole season, not just the opening few weeks. Lifeguard patrols this season are programmed through to the end of March.

“All of the rescues were at low tide, just as it was turning to come back in,” he said, “with many people finding themselves standing up one minute, but in a hole the next.”

Mr Dooley said one family group was rescued at the end of the day as lifeguards were packing up their patrol gear and making one final check.

Two other beaches in the Western Districts also recorded an increased number of rescues during December and January – eight at Otaki (two last year) and another eight at Levin-Waitarere (none in 2009/10). There have been five rescues at Foxton, compared to nine a year ago.

Central Region’s Administration Support Officer for Surf Life Saving New Zealand, Joss Urbahn, said the better weather had certainly attracted more people to the beaches, but there had been quite a few rips reported at the various beaches.

Mr Dooley said the behaviour of swimmers at Himatangi Beach had been good, with people generally staying between the flags, but there had been a few cases of unattended children.

“We do recommend to parents that they stay with their children while they are swimming; lifeguards shouldn’t have to act as baby sitters as well.”

Regional guards handled weekday duties at Himatangi Beach from December 27 to January 21, with the weekend volunteers on duty from the beginning of December until the end of March.

Community Services Group Manager, Brent Limmer, said the lifeguards provided a “fantastic” service that was invaluable to Himatangi Beach and the swimming community.

“They have certainly proven their worth and provide a service that we would like to see continue and support where we can,” he said.

Mr Limmer said council was also supportive of a new clubhouse and was keen to see that progress.
Patrol statistics for Himatangi Beach

Voluntary patrols (weekends)

Hours worked: 473

Rescues: 2

First aids: 2

Preventative actions: 53
Regional guards (weekdays)

Hours worked: 420

Rescues: 12

Search: 1

First aids: 0

Preventative actions: 23