Waikanae lifeguards Connor Mitchell (left) and Oliver Shivnan. Picture by Rebecca Grunwell
The rescue of three young adults swept out from the mouth of the Turanganui River into big surf on January 8 was acknowledged at the Gisborne Tairawhiti Surf Lifesaving Awards of Excellence last night.
Waikanae lifeguards Connor Mitchell and Oliver Shivnan were doing IRB training at the time of the
January 8 incident and quickly went out, collected the trio and took them to shore.
Their efforts won them rescue of the year at the awards. It was one of many awards made. Others included volunteer lifeguard of the year (Andrew Shelton), emerging under-19 lifeguard of the year (Louis Birkhead) and club of the year (Waikanae).
Story and full results in The Gisborne Herald next week.
