Three boaties are alive today following a capsize outside the Kaipara Bar, in an incident that underscores both the life-saving importance of lifejackets and the critical role of New Zealand’s volunteer Coastguard network.
Just before 5.30pm this past Saturday, Coastguard Kaipara was alerted to three people in the water beyond the Kaipara Bar after their vessel capsized while attempting to return across the harbour entrance. Swept beyond the bar on an outgoing tide, the trio spent an extended period in the water before being spotted and rescued by a passing vessel.
All three were wearing lifejackets.
The rescuing vessel brought them onboard, where they were cold, exhausted, and in need of medical attention. However, with additional people onboard and challenging bar conditions, the vessel was unable to safely re-cross the Kaipara Bar.
Coastguard Kaipara volunteers responded swiftly. Five crew aboard Winstone Rescue launched soon after the alert and reached the vessel just before 7.30pm. The trio were transferred across, given further first aid, and transported back to Parakai, arriving around 9.15pm where Hato Hone St John crews were waiting.
Coastguard Kaipara skipper Joe Davison said the outcome could have been very different.
“This is another example of lifejackets saving lives. All three did remarkably well to stay calm and look after each other in the water before rescue. Without lifejackets, it may have been a different story.”
The rescue itself was not straightforward. Volunteers crossed the bar in testing conditions, including three metre swells and steep beam seas, returning to base later that evening after a long and physically demanding operation.
This incident highlights how quickly conditions can deteriorate on a bar crossing, particularly on the Kaipara, where tidal flows and sea state can change rapidly. In this case, the crew did several things right, wearing lifejackets, staying together, and attempting to report their crossing, but were ultimately reliant on the chance passing of another vessel.
Coastguard New Zealand recommends all bar-crossing vessels carry a handheld VHF radio and a personal locator beacon clipped to each lifejacket, ensuring immediate access in an emergency.
“We’re lucky to have fantastic boaties out there who step up when needed,” Davison added, acknowledging the members of the public who first carried out the rescue.
The message is clear. Prepare well, wear your lifejacket, and carry the right gear. The Coastguard will be there when things go wrong, but your own decisions remain your first and best line of safety.
If you do not already hold a Coastguard membership, now is the time to get one. You can sign up here: https://www.coastguard.nz/boating-essentials/membership
A Coastguard membership is not just peace of mind, it is a practical investment in your safety on the water. For an annual fee, members gain access to assistance services, including non emergency callouts that could otherwise cost thousands. More importantly, you are backing the crews who respond when things go wrong.
Without thousands of Coastguard volunteers stationed around the country, New Zealand would have no dedicated maritime search and rescue service. These crews give up their time, often in tough conditions and at all hours, to bring people home safely. They have done so for generations, forming the backbone of on water safety in this country.
The Government funds around 40 percent of Coastguard’s operations. The remaining funding, more than $30 million each year, must be raised through memberships, donations, and community support. That makes every membership, every contribution, and every show of support count.
There are several ways to get involved beyond membership. You can make a direct donation, support fundraising campaigns, or take part in initiatives like the Coastguard Lottery. To explore how you can help, visit: https://www.coastguard.nz/support-the-crew/support-us
Coastguard will always be there when you need them most. Supporting them ensures they can continue to answer the call.
