Gisborne, New Zealand — A beach outing turned tragic today, January 12, 2026, when a person died following a water-related incident at Okitū Beach. It’s a stark reminder of the ocean’s power, even on seemingly calm days.
Lifeguards Respond to Distress Call
A swimmer was pulled from the water near Makorori Point, but despite efforts to revive them, they were pronounced dead at the scene.
- Surf lifeguards responded to a distress call around 11:40 a.m. local time.
- The incident occurred at the northern end of Okitū Beach.
- CPR was administered, but the individual could not be saved.
- This marks the third water-related death in New Zealand in just three days, with another person still missing.
Surf lifeguards from the Wainui Surf Life Saving Club received an alert about a person in distress at the northern end of Okitū Beach, close to Makorori Point, at approximately 11:40 a.m. today. They immediately launched an inflatable rescue boat, supported by the Gisborne SAR squad.
Q: What happened at Okitū Beach today?
A: A person died after being pulled from the water near Makorori Point. Lifeguards responded quickly, but were unable to revive the individual despite performing CPR.
Upon arrival, the squad discovered that the person had already been pulled from the water and onto rocks. Lifeguards began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while the rescue boat headed back to shore to collect ambulance staff and police, expediting their arrival to the scene. Sadly, the person was pronounced dead at the location.
“The team at Surf Life Saving New Zealand extends its heartfelt condolences to the whānau and friends of the victim. It also commends the efforts of the surf lifeguards involved and has offered support services to them,” a surf lifesaving spokesperson said this evening.
This tragedy comes as the third water-related death in New Zealand within the past three days, and authorities continue to search for a fourth missing person. The recent spate of incidents underscores the importance of water safety and vigilance when enjoying New Zealand’s coastline.
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