Mid‑January started quietly for Coastguard Sumner, but things soon picked up for our volunteer crew with five callouts to mid-February.
Regular training is well underway again, and our team aboard Blue Arrow Rescue had a memorable moment last week when a pod of dolphins joined them alongside the vessel. A special reminder of why we love our patch of ocean.
Callouts – 22nd & 23rd January
8:50pm, Thurs 22 Jan
A member of the public used the emergency button at our base to report a surfer in difficulty. HamiltonJet Rescue was launched quickly, but the surfer managed to ride white water safely back to shore. A good outcome!
10:28am, Fri 23 Jan
We were tasked to assist a young surfer caught in the Scarborough rip. While our crew prepared to launch and Surf Life Saving Sumner responded with an IRB, two nearby surfers reached him first. He was brought aboard HamiltonJet Rescue, treated for mild hypothermia, and transferred to hospital for further checks. A huge thank‑you to everyone who acted so quickly.
7:51pm, Fri 23 Jan
Another alert from the public reported a person struggling between Black Rock and Taylors Mistake. Our crew launched rapidly and rescued the casualty, who was treated at our base with support from Sumner FENZ and St John. A great example of locals looking out for one another.
February brought a mix of callouts, training, and a thankfully quiet Waitangi weekend for our volunteers.
Callouts – 1st February
1:23pm
Taylors Mistake SLSC alerted us to two freedivers overdue from their pickup point. All three Coastguard Sumner vessels were launched for an extensive search. The divers were later found safe after coming ashore at a different location. A timely reminder of the value of sharing your plans and expected return time.
5:48pm
Later that afternoon we were placed on standby for a small dinghy in the same area. With no further action required, our crew were stood down after 45 minutes.
Dogs on the Water – 3rd February
We joined our partners at LandSAR for joint training with their four‑legged search specialists. The session focused on safely transferring volunteers and dogs between vessels and shore—valuable learning for everyone involved.
Our training programme continues across the coastline and estuary. A heartfelt thank‑you to all our volunteers for the time, skill, and dedication they bring to keeping our community safe.