Palmerston North search and rescue attended two rescues yesterday afternoon, one involving two young boys and the other involving four people.
The first incident occurred around 4pm, when an 11-year-old and a 14-year-old were at Tangimoana Beach near the river mouth. They were on beach on the Himitangi side and went for a swim.
The younger boy lost his footing and was swept out into the surf. His 14-year-old brother tried to help him and was also caught by the current.
A member of the public came to their assistance and they were recovered safely to the beach.
The boys were flown to Palmerston North Hospital for assessment and later released.
The second incident involved a group with two adults and two children aged 11 and 13 tubing down the Rangitikei River in the Ohingaiti/Hunterville area.
They did not realise their trip would take longer than expected, thanks to low river levels and the slow flow of the river. The police were called when the group was overdue by several hours.
The group got off the river when it began to get dark, and tried to find help at nearby properties and were assisted by locals.
Police say no matter how skilled you are in the water, you need to be well prepared, know the conditions of where you are swimming or boating, have all the necessary safety equipment and be constantly mindful of where your friends, family or companions are at all times.
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