Zoe’s father and fellow lifeguard Jason Rive also arrived to help with logistics on the beach.
“They got the person on board, brought them back to shore, and then they’ve just been out and retrieved the kayak as well,” Gibbons-Campbell said.
The kayaker was the only person in distress, although several other kayakers were in the area and had tried to help.
Coastguard was also activated but later stood down.
Gibbons-Campbell praised the response, particularly given Pukehina’s rural location and the relatively small number of local lifeguards.
“A few stars aligned.”
The three lifeguards were all in their early 20s and heavily involved in their respective clubs, with some also working as paid lifeguards over summer.
Gibbons-Campbell said he wanted to recognise their efforts as “young leaders in surf lifesaving”.
He also praised the member of the public who raised the alarm.
Gibbons-Campbell said people should contact police if they see someone in trouble so the appropriate emergency responders can be alerted quickly.
He also urged people heading out on the water to wear a lifejacket and carry a means of communication.
Surf Lifesaving NZ Eastern Region lifesaving manager Chaz Gibbons-Campbell at Ōmanu Beach. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
Letting someone on land know where they were going and having someone keep an eye on their plans could also help if something went wrong.
“Another key message that we always put out there is look after one another.”
Police said they received a report of a kayaker who had fallen out of their kayak and was struggling in the water in Pukehina.
“It appears all people have been accounted for and emergency services have been stood down.”