Off-duty officers praised for water rescue after swimmers caught in rip

The Northland police officers were surfing while off-duty but swung into action when they saw the women in trouble. Photo / Supplied

Two off-duty police officers have been praised for their quick actions after two swimmers got caught in a rip at Northland’s Coopers Beach.

The two officers were taking advantage of favourable surfing conditions at the beach last Thursday, before severe weather impacted the region.

A 14-year-old girl was with her family, swimming at the beach, when the two officers noticed she had been caught by a rip, said Far North area response manager, Senior Sergeant Richard Garton.

The teenager’s mother entered the water in an attempt to help but quickly got in trouble herself, Garton said.

“A helicopter had been dispatched and local boats signalled to come and assist, however two of our off-duty officers happened to be surfing at the time and saw the commotion.”

The two women were rescued by the officers and brought back to shore.

Garton said the situation could have been drastically worse and called the officers “local heroes”.

“Their actions prevented a tragedy.

“They’ve chosen to avoid the limelight but we would like to commend their work.”

Police remind the public that for any water-related emergency, always call 111 immediately.

Coopers Beach in Northland's Doubtless Bay is often sunny and calm but its rips can be deceiving. Photo / NZME

Coopers Beach is a popular swimming spot in Doubtless Bay. Nearby Cable Bay is now infamous as being a trouble spot for rips.

Drowning Prevention Aotearoa and Surf Life Saving NZ said bystanders can put themselves at risk if they attempt to rescue a person without a flotation device, with 103 rescuers fatally drowning between 1980 and 2024.

The two organisations have prepared information on what to do if a person is in trouble in the water, advising rescuers to always take a flotation device.

A Northland-founded organisation, Operation Flotation, has helped install public rescue equipment at more than 70 beaches nationwide.

The charity was founded by Cable Bay resident Pat Millar, after the death of her whānau member Wairongoa ‘Magoo’ Renata in 2018, who drowned in Cable Bay while saving his daughter.

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.