"Fisherman has a near miss at Waimakariri River mouth"

Canterbury Police were alerted that a fisherman had been swept out to sea shortly before 7.45am this morning at Kairaki beach near the Waimakariri River mouth.

The 37 year old man is reported to have lost his footing and stumbled into the strong current. His chest waders are understood to have filled with water and the current pulled him approximately 200m off-shore. The man is described as fit, an experienced fisherman and strong swimmer. He managed to remove his waders and swim with the current towards the shore. Another man who was fishing nearby alerted Police to the incident and then helped the man to the shore.

Police deployed the Westpac helicopter immediately and this was stood down when it was confirmed the man was safely ashore.

Police investigations into the incident are nearing completion.

Police commend the actions of both fishermen. The man in distress, while not wearing a life-jacket, didn’t panic and swam with the current after removing his waders. The other man did the right thing by alerting emergency services, giving a running commentary of the situation/location and not attempting a rescue himself until the man was in shallow water.

This is a timely reminder for all fishermen to take care, particularly around river mouths, as currents and weather conditions can affect the underwater terrain and footing can be lost unexpectedly. Police recommend all fishermen, particularly if you are fishing alone, wear a life-jacket in the event that such an incident occurs.

ENDS

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