Strong winds caused a frightening situation at an East Auckland beach on Thursday when a young girl was blown hundreds of metres out to sea on a small inflatable toy.
According to a report by Chris Marriner of Stuff, the child was rescued from the waters off Eastern Beach in the Hauraki Gulf just after 11 am after drifting away from her family.
Nitin Chaudhry, from the Golden Sanda Bistro on the beachfront, told Stuff the girl appeared to be six or seven years old and was using an inflatable typically designed as a pool toy when the wind carried her away, Stuff has reported.
He said the girl appeared to have family members on the shore, but they were unable to reach her as she was pushed further out by the wind.
Police told Stuff they received a report of a person in need of assistance and confirmed the person was brought back to shore safe and well.
A spokesperson for Hato Hone St John said they were notified of a water incident at the Esplanade, Eastern Beach, at 11.21 am, but the responding crew was not required once they arrived at the scene, as reported by Stuff.
Surf Lifesaving New Zealand continues to warn beachgoers about the dangers of inflatable devices.
“Inflatable kayaks, dinghies, and pool toys might be convenient, lightweight, and fun but they also come with risk,” Surf Lifesaving NZ warn online. “Strong currents and winds can easily blow them out to sea, where you can quickly find yourself out of your depth and far away from shore,” they said, as quoted by Stuff.
“Use inflatable pool toys in the pool, not at the beach.”
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