News

Coastguard New Zealand hosts major training exercise

Coastguard New Zealand has hosted a major training exercise over the weekend, that included a mock rescue.

Aucklanders out on the Hauraki Gulf on Saturday had the chance to see a flurry of activity from Coastguard, as the organisation ran one of its largest-ever training exercises.

search-58.jpeg

The event involved seven units from across the Auckland region, who were tasked to take part in a challenging mock rescue that tested their search skills, co-operation and on-scene command.

There are 2,100 volunteers who give their time at 63 Coastguard units around the country to help Kiwis stay safe on the water – whatever their waka.

Since 1 July 2022 Coastguard volunteers have given more than 38,000 hours responding to 2,532 incidents across the country

Since 1 July 2022, Coastguard volunteers have rescued 79 people and saved five lives.

Volunteers from the Hibiscus Coast, North Shore, Auckland, Waiheke, Howick, Maraetai and Titirangi units all participated the training exercise with their rescue vessels, with volunteers also on-board Coastguard New Zealand’s Joe Hawke Rescue and Hukatai Rescue.

Coastguard New Zealand Head of Operations Rob McCaw says volunteers from around New Zealand travelled to Auckland to learn about the Hauraki Gulf and observe the exercise.

“We had teams as far as Waihi Beach and Bluff joining us and this is one of the benefits of being a united Coastguard working together giving our all for life on the water,” he says.

A further 15 people at the Operations Centre at the Auckland Marine Rescue Centre coordinated the exercise, which was be observed by NZ Search and Rescue.

 

Photography: Coastguard New Zealand

Previous ArticleNext Article
Send this to a friend