Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) can confirm that surf lifeguards from Sunset Beach Lifeguard Service and Surf Lifesaving Kariaotahi yesterday responded to an incident at the Waikato River mouth yesterday evening.

At approximately 6:30pm, Police notified SLSNZ of two people in the water at the Waikato Bar. Both patrolling surf lifeguards and the Search & Rescue squads from both Sunset Beach Lifeguard Service and Surf Lifesaving Kariaotahi were activated, with Sunset Beach Lifeguard Service launching two Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs) and a Rescue Water Craft (RWC – jetski), and Surf Lifesaving Kariaotahi responding with an RWC. Both squads carried out a combined search in association with the Police Eagle, Northern Rescue Helicopter, and Coastguard New Zealand assets.

Surf lifeguards retrieved a five-year-old child retrieved from the water, with reports of one male still outstanding. The search for the missing person continued, and was concluded at approximately 2000 hrs, when it was too dark to continue.

SLSNZ wishes to acknowledge the surf lifeguards involved for their ongoing efforts during the search.

Any further comment should be directed to Police, who are the lead agency responding to the incident and will provide more information at their discretion.

Up to date information on surf lifesaving patrols is available on Safeswim.

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