Hi, everyone – an important word of warning from one of our local swimmers:
“Because it is sheltered from the wind and waves, the beach area near the groyne is becoming very popular with swimmers.
Last evening, at low tide around 4pm I entered the water (waist deep) at the groyne and swam south parallel to the waves. As I wear swim goggles, I could see the bottom and after 50-60 metres I turned and headed back. As I got closer to the groyne I noticed the water got murky and I could no longer stand up. I could see my wife waving for me to come in.
However, even though I am a competent swimmer, I was making no progress. I had no choice but to swim across the fast-flowing rip until I was close enough to grab some seaweed and pull myself up onto the rocks.
There is a dangerous and hard to see rip that hits the groyne at low tide and swirls seaward.“
In case of an emergency, call 111; during patrol hours, the Omaha Beach Surf Life Saving Club can be called 09 422 7022.
A reminder that the OBSLSC club has surf patrols (in front of their clubhouse) through the summer – details at http://www.lifesaving.org.nz/lifesaving/what-is-surf-life-saving.
