Ambulance staff prepare the patient for loading in the helicopter.
UPDATED 4.12pm: Papamoa lifesaver Nathan Smith was flown to Tauranga Hospital today for precautionary scans after injuring his spine while competing in Whangamata.
Mr Smith, 22, was hurt when he fell out of a boat during the BP Surf Rescue NZ IRB Championships.
It is understood the nature of Mr
Smith's injuries were not serious and the trip to hospital was a cautionary matter.
EARLIER: A Tauranga surf lifesaver has been flown to Tauranga Hospital after he was hurt while competing in Whangamata today.
The 22-year-old fell out of an IRB about 12.30pm in the BP Surf Rescue NZ IRB Championships.
