And this is why, we operate a water safety initiative here at Sport Northland 😊

Matua Angus, a year 6 teacher from Tikipunga Primary School recently contacted us to share a story about one of their students who had put into practice what they had learnt while participating in our water safe initiative.  The student had used the ‘reach rescue’ technique to help rescue a family member.

Waylan Ward, a year 6 student had been swimming in the Ngunguru Estuary.  She and her family had gone for a swim after school and had decided to swim out to the pontoon in the middle of the estuary.  The family had insisted on Waylan taking a noodle with her to keep herself safe.  Her 16-year-old sister had also gone out to the pontoon and not realising that she was not as confident as Waylan, started to be taken away by the outgoing tide.

Waylan was quick to think and reached out to her with the noodle, telling her to grab on and pulled her to safety.

Waylan, we are so proud of you and thank for helping your older sister.  Ka pai!

Do you know how to save someone? Check out the following tips on how to perform a reach rescue

Reach Rescue – A reach rescue should always be considered first in an emergency (if ‘talk rescue’ is not an option).  It is considered both safe and effective for the rescuer.

When – The person in difficulty is near the edge (e.g. bank, boat, pontoon etc).  This rescue is suitable to perform for a weak or non-swimmer if necessary.

How – Lie down with the chest to ground or anchor firmly using a fixed object or assistant, keep the person under observation, reach out with an aid and instruct the person to hold it, pull the person to safety slowly, if in danger of being pulled in, let go, then try again.