Drowning at Mangawhai Heads

Waters at Mangawhai Heads surf beach sadly claimed the life of a male swimmer on January 19. Police report that the man, yet to be identified, had been found unresponsive by some members of the public and attempts at resuscitation unfortunately were unsuccessful.

Due to the hot weather and clear sky the beach was beginning to fill with beach goers when the incident occurred around 11.30am. The crowd watched as two life guards sprinted for the water with an RIB [rescue inflatable boat] in tow, heading for a group of surfers and retrieving the man before landing back at the northern part of the shore.

Seven lifeguards in total were involved with the rescue, some attending to the man while others drove police and volunteer firefighters to the scene. St John was also in attendance.

Police say the death is not being treated as suspicious and will be referred to the coroner.