Lifeguards save swimmer at Midway

IMPRESSIVE: Only two weeks after earning their New Zealand Surf Lifeguard Awards, Midway Surf Life Saving Club members Maddi Reid (left) and Tyla Bermingham rescued a man in difficulty more than 250 metres off shore this afternoon. Club chairman and chief instructor Rocky Hall said the girls did everything right, including signalling him and another surf ski paddler to say there was a problem. Picture by Liam Clayton

TWO newly-qualified lifeguards did everything right when they rescued a swimmer with severe cramp in both legs at Midway Beach today.

The man was caught in a rip in choppy conditions and was more than 250 metres offshore when he got into difficulty.

Midway Surf Life Saving Club chairman and chief instructor Rocky Hall said lifesavers Maddi Reid and Tyla Birmingham raced out on paddle boards to tend to the man but were unable to lift him on to a board.

The girls supported him in the water for an estimated five to 10 minutes before they spotted Mr Hall and senior lifeguard Dennis Malone returning from a surf ski training session.

“The girls made the correct signals, so I knew there was a problem,” says Mr Hall.

“That is when we paddled over.”

Mr Hall sent Mr Malone and Tyla back to the beach to get an IRB while he and Maddi remained behind to support the patient.

Two IRB crew members happened to arrive on the beach at that moment.

“They launched the IRB quickly and came out to get the patient. He recovered quickly once he was on the beach.”

Maddi and Tyla qualified for their New Zealand Surf Lifeguard Awards only two weeks ago.

“These girls were under my instruction a fortnight ago. I’m very impressed with their presence of mind, their composure and their courage. They did a marvellous job.”