Police have identified a woman taken to North Shore Hospital after a group of people got into difficulty in water at Browns Bay Beach on Friday afternoon.
Witnesses have told police three young people with two boogie boards were seen struggling in the water. At least two members of the public went to their aid to bring them back to shore.
The three young people were all from the same family. A young boy was pronounced dead at the beach while his older sister was revived and taken to North Shore Hospital and remains in a critical condition. Another sister was cleared by ambulance staff and released.
A middle aged woman was also taken to North Shore Hospital and is in a critical condition. Her identity was unknown for six hours but late last night a person contacted police, so the woman could be identified.
The woman’s role at the beach is unclear but she had to be revived and may have been part of the rescue effort.
Area Commander, Inspector Mike Hill, says, "A large number of people were on the beach at the time and some have been interviewed. Anyone who witnessed the event who has not spoken to police, should contact the Takapuna Police Station, 488 6200," says Inspector Hill.
Inspector Hill says, "Police would also like to thank all those members of the public who assisted at the beach in the rescue and also in applying CPR to those people taken from the water."
Issued by
Jayson Rhodes
Police Communications Manager
North Shore/Waitakere/Rodney Police District
027 281-0271