h A dog swept out to sea near Tauranga
made it back to shore but his would-be rescuer
needed rescuing.
A dog swept out to sea near Tauranga made it
back to shore but his would-be rescuer needed
rescuing.
The drama that unfolded near Maungatapu
Bridge shortly before midday on Sunday has
prompted a reminder from police about water
safety in strong tidal conditions.
The dog's owner swam out to help the dog but
turned back and a member of the public went
further and ended up getting swept out past the
dog.
A police officer swam out to the man and was
able to calm him and a firefighter reached them
on a paddleboard as the local rescue helicopter
arrived.
Everyone made it back to shore safely, including
the dog, which got back unaided.
Senior Sergeant Shannon Clifford said the police
officer who reached the man was a triathlete
and a strong swimmer and did a good job.
The member of public trying to save the dog
also knew what to do when caught in a rip,
which helped save him but people had to be
aware of treacherous tidal conditions and should
not swim in them.
What to do when caught in a rip:
* Don't panic
* Don't try to swim against the rip back to
shore
* Let the rip carry you out until the current
subsides then swim parallel to the beach for
30-40m before swimming back to shore
* If you get tired or become frightened, stay
calm, raise your arm, call for help and wait for
help.
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