Hero Gets Children Out Of Rip

By John Freer

Thanks, from the mother of two children rescued from a rip at Pokohino Beach yesterday, saying they owe their lives to a Cambridge girl who assisted them to safety.

Lorna Hernandez today told CFM the girl had saved her family from experiencing a parent’s worst nightmare while averting a Christmas tragedy.

The children aged 10 and 13 were taken to Auckland Hospital on two Westpac Rescue Helicopters – both are now back home.

The family of six spent the day at the remote beach visiting from Karaka. She said in the space of 30 seconds the boy and girl had got caught in a rip and were being dragged out to sea.

One had a boogie-board which kept them afloat. The Cambridge girl swam out alongside the rip and coaxed the pair to safety.

Lorna said when back on the beach the 10-year-old boy could walk, but the 13-year-old girl had to be carried up the beach and placed in the recovery position.

There were only six other people on the beach one of whom alerted the emergency services. They arrived within 30 minutes, but due to the location rescue helicopters were called.

As they could not land on the beach, Lorna said with her son, they were winched off the beach, the second machine airlifting out the daughter. All were taken to Auckland Hospital.

Lorna paid tribute to all those who assisted issuing a warning on how quickly beach conditions can change.

She said the family of six had been at the beach for the day, the near disaster occurred within 30 seconds.

“Never under-estimate the conditions,” she warned.