Far North Surf Rescue was also a finalist in the Rescue of the Year category for a daring rescue of two divers in raging seas at Tapotupotu Bay in March, but missed out to a rescue done by Karioitahi Surf Life Saving Cub.
Two Far North Surf Rescue volunteers were hailed as heroes for diving into raging seas to save two divers on March 9.
With 3m swells and a raging ocean, lifeguard Anthony Walker and club captain Thom Anderson didn't hesitate when the call was made to dive into the swirling sea to rescue divers stuck on rocks.
Anthony Walker, his father and club vice-president Tony Walker, Mr Anderson and his wife, lifeguard Kate Clarke, were the last chance to save the two divers in fading light after the atrocious conditions had prevented the Northland Rescue Helicopter, police, Search and Rescue volunteers and Coastguard from getting to the two men, who had been on the rocks for more than five hours.
The crew got the callout from Surf Comms about 6pm with 3m swells and a raging sea preventing the divers' rescue.
Within five minutes the four had loaded up their gear, hooked up an inflatable rigid boat (IRB) and set out on the 125km trip from the club's Ahipara base to Tapotupotu Bay to rescue the pair.
Northland's Search and Rescue boss Senior Sergeant Cliff Metcalfe said the rescuers were "heroic".
The experienced S&R boss said conditions were "as dangerous as it gets" and he should know, having being involved in many S&R operations.
"That was outstanding bravery. This is probably one of the most daring rescues I've been involved in."
