Lifeguards Respond to Serious Water Incident at Kariaotahi / Waikato River Mouth

Surf Lifesaving crews were called out this morning to respond to a critical water incident near the Waikato River mouth at Kariaotahi Beach on the west coast of Auckland.

Police notified surf lifeguards from Surf Lifesaving Kariaotahi after people were reported in difficulty around the river mouth area. Lifeguards quickly entered the water to assist those in distress, working alongside other emergency services to respond to the situation.

Earlier reports from the area indicated that a young child – around five years old – was retrieved from the water, and emergency crews continued searching for another person who remained outstanding. Volunteers from Coastguard and the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter also supported search efforts, while Police coordinated the overall response.

This incident comes not long after a tragic drowning at Kariaotahi Beach earlier in December, where a 26-year-old man lost his life after being caught in surf conditions just south of the Waikato River mouth. Local iwi placed a rāhui over the area following that event, advising the public to refrain from swimming, fishing and other recreational activities in the affected stretch of water.

Surf Lifesaving New Zealand and Police are reminding all beachgoers that conditions around river mouths and coastal sandbars can change rapidly, with strong currents and rip hazards present even when the sea looks calm. Lifeguards encourage people to swim only at patrolled beaches, be aware of local advisory flags, and always take extra care when the water is rough.

We extend our thoughts to the families and communities affected, and we’ll bring further updates as more information becomes available.

RELATED NEWS

The economy is shrinking putting whanau at risk NZ is set to make a call at the UN this week on Gaza …. but is it the right one? Presbyterian Church apologise for abuse