MEDIA RELEASE - Central District
Palmerston North Search and Rescue were involved in two operations on 25th January 2016 involving water rescue.
At about 4.00pm two boys aged 11 and 14 were with family at Tangimoana Beach near the river mouth.
They crossed the river about 400 meters up from the Tangimoana side of the river to the Himitangi side of the river. They then walked to the beach on the Himitangi side and went into the sea for a swim.
The 11 year old got into some difficulty losing his footing and getting swept out into the surf. His 14 year old brother attempted to assist him and was also caught by the current.
A member of the public came to their assistance and they were recovered safely to the beach. The boys Family are most grateful to the rescuer and would like to pass on their thanks.
The boys were flown to Palmerston North hospital for assessment and later released.
The second incident attended by Palmerston North Search and Rescue involved a group with two adults and two children aged 11 and 13 tubing down the Rangitikei River in the Ohingaiti/Hunterville area.
The group did not realise that due to low river levels and the slow flow of the river, how long their suggested trip would take.
They were overdue by several hours by the time Police were called.
The group made the wise decision to get off the river as it was starting to get dark and to try and find help at nearby properties.
They were assisted to their destination by a resident of Rowes Road, Ohingnaiti.
These two incidents highlight how accessible our waterways are and how we all love to flock to them especially as the warm summer continues.
A poignant time to remind everyone that no matter how skilled you are in the water we need to be well prepared, know the conditions of where you are swimming or boating, you have all the necessary safety equipment and constantly mindful of where your friends, family or companions are at all times.
Media enquiries should be referred to:
Constable G J BEDFORD
Palmerston North Search and Rescue
END
Released by Senior Sergeant Steve Thomas, Central District Command Centre