Off-duty lifeguards save fisherman swept off rocks at Piha, West Auckland

Sunday, 8 December 2019

United North Piha Lifeguard Services said the rescue could have ended differently if the fisherman had not been wearing a life jacket when he was swept off rocks south of Piha.

Off-duty lifeguards on a training exercise saved a fisherman swept off rocks at a West Auckland beach.

The team from United North Piha Lifeguard Service were taking part in inflatable rescue boat (IRB) training when they received an urgent call out to a person in trouble at Fisherman's Rock, south of Piha Beach.

The man's fishing partner managed to throw him a life ring before using a radio to contact a family member to alert emergency services.

Two IRB's were launched and the fisherman was pulled from the water by lifeguards who took him to shore for further assessment.

The rocks at Piha beach are known to be a dangerous spot for fishing.

* **Rock fishermen play deadly game

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Director of Lifesaving at United North Piha, Victoria Mulrennan, who was involved in the rescue, said the lifeguards were in the 'right place at the right time', and the fisherman had the right water safety gear.

'Rescues along the rocks can be tricky and lifeguards were managing a particularly large surf. Thankfully, the rock fishers also did all the right things, both the angel ring and lifejacket made them easier to spot.'

Surf Life Saving Northern Region Lifesaving Manager Ari Peach said the lifejacket and ring saved the fisherman's life, and urged others to wear them at all times.

'While lifeguards are well trained and prepared for incident responses, beach-goers and fishers have a responsibility to be prepared. This fisherman followed all our safety advice and thankfully avoided tragedy. Without a lifejacket this rescue could've ended much differently.'

Life rings were installed at the beach and other high-risk rock fishing spots along the west coast in 2009 to provide another important 'layer of protection' in the water.

Anyone planning to fish from rocks is advised to:

- Check the conditions

- Always wear a lifejacket

- Never fish alone and always let someone know when you will be returning home

- Always wear the correct equipment, such as light clothing and sturdy footwear

- Beware of waves and swells, never turn your back to the surf and keep an eye on the tide so you don't get caught

- Call 111 and ask for police if you see someone in trouble.