The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand has called for emergency beacons to be registered after a beacon on a jetski on land spared a major search.
An intense 24 hour effort by multiple agencies, included Coastguard, Auckland Helicopter Rescue and Northland Emergency Services Trust helicopter, to track down a beaconthat was activated north of Manukau Heads on Wednesday.
The beacon was eventually located on Thursday thanks to the perseverance of a Northland Helicopter Emergency Services pilot who tracked the beacon down to Buckleton Beach, near Warkworth and then knocked on doors in the township to ask if anyone owned a beacon.
The beacon turned out be on a jet ski and was activated inadvertently when it came through rough waves at Piha yesterday.
Search and Rescue Officer Tracy Brickles said this incidident highlights how important it is to register your beacon. If there had been a casualty, time would have been of the essence and time wasted could cost lives.
Registering beacons is free, it is quick and easy to do and it could save your life.
Ms Brickles said this was not just a nice to have - it was a legal requirement.
"Please get on line today and register your beacon or if you're already registered make sure your details are kept up to date."
