29/12/2018
Time 1pm

Location
Whatipu beach (Huia)

Summary

16-year-old male went missing at Whatipu beach around 1pm today.

Police and Coastguard alerted SLSNR at 1.30pm with the original call saying two individuals needed assistance in the water.

Six lifeguards from Karekare and one lifeguard on a Support 1 jetski and an IRB were involved in the search.

Outcome/Result

Two females made it back to shore and were taken to the hospital. The missing male swimmer still hasn't been located.

Police stood down lifeguards at 3.42pm and lifeguards have returned to Karekare to be debriefed by the Duty Officer.

Pair Support (team sent to support guards assisting with critical incident posts) have been alerted.

Other agencies involved

Police, Coastguard, Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, St Johns Ambulance