Coastguard North Canterbury enhances swift water rescue capability

With more Cantabrians enjoying recreational river activities and the increasing frequency of extreme weather like storms and flooding in the region, Coastguard North Canterbury has expanded their swift water rescue capability with two new assets.

Meet ‘Blackwell Rescue,’ the first of its kind in NZ for swift water and flood rescue. This Extreme 47 4.7m vessel by Outback Boats, powered by a 50hp outboard jet and enhanced with an arch for rollover protection, is a game-changer for our local crew of volunteers.

We also proudly introduce 'North Canterbury Mobile 1,' a custom-modified FUSO Canter 4x4 Crew truck. With river fording capability, off-road tyres, recovery winches, 360° scene lighting, and more, it's designed to ensure our volunteers can operate efficiently in the most remote and challenging areas.

Coastguard North Canterbury, based in Kaiapoi, is our only swift water rescue crew, specially trained for fast-moving rivers, white water, and flooding rescues. Since 2018, they've responded to numerous swift water-related emergencies, making up 26% of their operations.

From the Rakaia River to the Southern Alps, our dedicated crew braves the toughest conditions to bring people home safely, working closely with NZ Police , Land Search and Rescue New Zealand , Surf Life Saving New Zealand , and Fire and Emergency NZ .

“These new assets will significantly enhance our swift water response and training capabilities, futureproofing our team,” says Coastguard North Canterbury President Kevin Bryce.

Two notable rescues stand out for Coastguard North Canterbury’s swift water team. The first involved saving eight people and two dogs from the Waimakariri River during a flash flood, earning volunteers the 2018 Rescue of the Year award. In another instance, during the 2021 Canterbury floods, heavy rainfall led to multiple emergency calls, including one where a farmer was stranded in a tree above a rapidly rising creek. A daring helicopter rescue ensued, with the victim airlifted to volunteers, where they could safely transfer them to an awaiting ambulance.

Rob Creasy , Coastguard Tautiaki Moana Regional Manager South, highlights the impact: “This vessel and truck represent a substantial upgrade in North Canterbury’s swift water operations. The volunteers’ dedication to this project since 2022 is commendable.”

Huge thanks to The Lion Foundation , Aotearoa Gaming Trust , Kiwi Gaming Foundation, and local community boards for their incredible support in making Blackwell Rescue and North Canterbury Mobile 1 a reality.