As put by Sergeant Mark Harrison of Waikato Police Search and Rescue:
Swift actions by surf lifesavers and Coastguard helped rescue three people from the waters off Raglan when their boat flipped on the bar.
At around 4:30pm on Sunday 1 December, Police were notified that a boat had flipped on the Raglan Bar.
The boat, with three people onboard, was turned upside down and almost fully submerged with two people reportedly in the water.
Raglan Surf Lifesavers were completing a training exercise nearby and quickly responded to the incident, alongside Coastguard Raglan volunteers.
First lifesavers on an IRB located two people in the whitewash and pulled them from the ocean.
One person was still trapped beneath the upturned boat. A second IRB with a lifeguard onboard then arrived. The lifesaver onboard entered the water and made his way to the upturned vessel.
The boat was bobbing up and down in the waves and surrounded by a large amount of fishing line.
After cutting through line, the lifesaver reached the boat, managing to open the front hatch of the front deck on the vessel and help pull the person out.
The three occupants were transported back to shore by Surf Life Saving members where they were met by St John ambulance staff. All three were taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Meanwhile Coastguard Raglan's Gallagher Rescue towed the boat back to the wharf.
We believe the actions of Surf Lifesaving New Zealand members, has saved the lives of these three people.
While it was fortunate surf lifeguards were training nearby, their quick actions in responding to the incident, and their training and abilities in such conditions clearly came into play during what was a fast-moving rescue.
With the holiday season approaching, we want to remind all New Zealander's about being safe on the water.
All people on the boat were wearing lifejackets, which was equally important in saving lives.
Conditions can change quickly so it's imperative boaties check weather forecasts before heading out, ensure they have sufficient communications onboard, are equipped, tell someone their plans and be safe on the water.
