Whangaparāoa surf drama: Lifeguards rescue man stuck on rocks after rescue attempt

A man out for a swim who attempted to save a windsurfer has been pulled to safety after being trapped on a rock surrounded by giant waves in Whangaparāoa.

A video of the incident shows waves smashing against the cliff face where the man is standing and waiting for help.

Moments later, a jetski speeds towards him to carry out the rescue.

Police said they received a report of two people who seemed to be having difficulty returning to shore from Fishermans Rock Reserve just before 4pm today.

They said both people got back to shore with no injuries around 5pm.

A witness, Kathy, told the Herald her family friend was out for a swim with four boys under the age of 11 when the incident occurred.

She said he was trying to rescue someone when he got into trouble himself.

“He was out in the water with the boys, and all of a sudden the weather turned and ... there was a windsurfer on the board who was struggling,” Kathy said.

She said the windsurfer was competent, but their equipment broke in the rough conditions.

A man has been pulled to safety after being trapped on a rock surrounded by waves at Whangaparāoa. Photo / Supplied

Kathy compared the wild waves to a “washing machine”.

“He tried to go and help that guy, and he got to safety, but he got stuck on the rocks,” she said.

Kathy said the boys, including her grandson, had a cellphone, but they also ran across the road to call for help.

“The guy from the Orewa lifesaving [club] was a bloody superstar,” she said.

She said her family friend was in the water for about two hours and was freezing when he got out.

Kathy said everybody, including all the boys – who were “panicking” – let out a big sigh of relief when he was rescued.

A man has been pulled to safety after being trapped on a rock surrounded by waves at Whangaparāoa. Photo / Riki Waugh

A witness, Riki Waugh, told the Herald the lifeguards who were part of the rescue were “absolute legends”.

“From what I observed, it took a while for the jetski to arrive; from memory it came in at around 5pm,” Waugh said.

He said once the jetski arrived, the rescue continued and the lifeguards handled the situation calmly and professionally.

“Everyone appeared to be okay afterwards,” Waugh said.

He said the crew deserved “massive respect” for putting themselves in harm’s way to help someone.

Police said the Eagle helicopter attended, as well as an ambulance, the staff of which assessed the people involved.

A man attempting to save a windsurfer has been pulled to safety after being stuck on a rock amid wild seas. Photo / Supplied

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