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The Omaha Surf Life Saving Club (OSLSC) was in the spotlight recently when it was runner-up at the BP Rescue of the Month awards for December.
The awards are presented monthly from November to March with BP vouchers worth $500, $300 or $200.
The rescue took place on December 9 at 4.50pm when a mother and her two children were rolled out of their kayak, off Omaha Beach, with the father swimming alongside them.
A resident called the lifeguards on duty after being concerned that the family was unable to get back into their kayak.
OSLSC patrol captain Graham Pashley says the lifeguards were quick to respond.
“Liana Sykes immediately recognised the potential danger of the situation and swam out to assist the family,” Graham says.
“Kate Powell and Emma Foote were also quick into the water, which allowed Liana to swim back and get a rescue board for the dad, who was struggling with fatigue.”
Lucy Rowe managed radio contact to the club throughout the rescue before Stephanie Earley handled first aid for hypothermia once the family were ashore.
“Beachgoers were really helpful providing towels for the children. One off-duty lifeguard from Mairangi Bay assisted in the rescue.
“The patrol was just closing down when the rescue started, but the girls all stayed around until the family was released by the paramedics, well past their duty time.”
All five of the OSLSC teenagers involved are students at Mahurangi College.
“They all showed maturity and bravery beyond their age in the way they assessed the situation and took action to ensure a positive outcome for the family.”
