Rapid response amazing

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Last Saturday I phoned the emergency services to report several children who had got caught in a rip off Wainui Beach. The lady on the phone was brilliant, she kept me on the phone monitoring the situation which at times was quite confusing with the wind, waves and heads bobbing in the surf — but she stayed focused until we were sure everyone was safe.

By the end of the call not only had Jack Virtue heroically rescued all the swimmers, but both the police and St John had arrived and a helicopter was on stand by. This all happened in 8min 29secs — the length of my call. I was amazed and very impressed with this rapid response.

Well done also to Jack, who was just fantastic.

Amanda Davidson