Washed 2 kilometres off the coast by a huge rip and swallowing water—you helped bring Julian home

It was the middle of an ordinary Thursday in spring when the Coastguard Waimakariri-Ashley were called by the police to an emergency on the
Waimakariri River bar.

 

Within eight minutes of the call our volunteers had assembled at the Coastguard base and ‘Kaiapoi 1’ was launched and on its way to the scene.  Whitebaiters had called the police when they saw a man knocked off his jetski by a rogue wave as he was fishing. The man was sucked out to sea in a strong rip.

 

The police also called rescue helicopters to join the search for the 43 year man, Julian. One of the helicopters spotted him in the water and directed the Coastguard crew to his location. He was pulled aboard feeling very cold and he had swallowed a lot of water.

 

The Coastguard crew took him to shore where he was transferred to the helicopter for the journey to Christchurch hospital.

 

Even though Julian had done the right thing and was well equipped, wearing a wetsuit and a lifejacket he still unexpectedly found himself in real danger. If the whitebaiters hadn’t seen him come off his jetski our search and rescue volunteers wouldn’t have been called out.

 

We aren’t the Scouts but we do advise all water users to be prepared. Julian had a cell phone on his jetski which is great, but a hand held VHF marine radio clipped to his life jacket is recommended. On the water things can change in an instant.

 

Thanks to your support our Coastguard volunteers are ready to drop everything when an emergency call comes in. While we advise boaties to
be prepared it is essential that our volunteers are equipped with everything they need to do the job. You helped us make sure Glenn and his crew had the vessel and rescue equipment they needed to save Julian—they couldn’t do it without you, thank you.

 

The lives Coastguard supporters helped save this year

As the year draws to a close it is time to acknowledge the lives that have been saved thanks to the commitment of Coastguard volunteers and our valued Coastguard Supporters and Members. Only 15% of our funding comes from government so your help is vital. Coastguard’s brave volunteers don’t ask a cent for their lifesaving work – they don’t do it to be rewarded. They do however need support to ensure they have the best possible training and the right equipment, to achieve their mission safely.

 

This year across New Zealand Coastguard volunteers have saved 50 people. These are people who would have perished at sea if our volunteers weren’t there to save them. Thank you for helping us save 50 lives at sea this year.

 

 

 Local boaties form two new Coastguard Units to help keep you safe on South Island lakes

This summer two new Coastguard units will be operating on our southern lakes. Both units have been formed by groups of local boaties who recognised that there was a need for a maritime rescue service in their community.

 

Over the years individuals have responded when another boatie has been in trouble but this was an adhoc response reliant on private boats and untrained but enthusiastic people wanting to help.  In both Wanaka and the Mackenzie Basin groups were formed to provide a more organised response, training for volunteers and to work in with police when maritime emergencies occur. These groups also approached Coastguard to explore how they could align to the organisation. Both groups have now been formally accepted as members of the Coastguard federation and so can now take advantage of Coastguard training, access to resources and management support.

 

 

This summer Coastguard Wanaka Lakes and Mackenzie Lakes units will be using boats belonging to their volunteers to provide their search and rescue service. Coastguard will help both groups with fundraising campaigns next year so that they are equipped with ‘fit-for-purpose’ Coastguard vessels. Look out for our new volunteers on our southern lakes this summer and say hello if you are in the area.