United States children's TV host Fred Rogers once gave the advice to a child that: “When something scary is happening, look for the helpers”.

And a Canterbury father who, along with his daughter, was rescued off Waikuku Beach recently says the television show helped sustain them as they waited to be rescued.

“As my daughter and I floated in the darkness, far behind the surf break at Waikuku Beach, that was how I kept her calm - showing her all the people who had come to help us."

Rogers was an American television host, author, producer, and ordained Presbyterian minister best known for creating and hosting the iconic preschool series Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.

“The outdoor lights that were switched on at the Surf Lifesaving Clubrooms, the sirens of the fire engines arriving, the torches on the beach shining out to sea, the approaching lights of the lifesavers' jet-ski, not only did it it help my daughter, it also gave me the strength and hope I needed to keep us afloat.

“I want to thank with all our heart the people, nearly all of them volunteers. who came to help us that night, we wouldn't be here without you.”

These included: 

  • Waikuku Beach Fire Brigade
  • Waikuku Beach Surf Lifesaving Club
  • Woodend Fire Brigade
  • Rangiora Fire Brigade
  • Coastguard North Canterbury
  • Hato Hone St John Christchurch
  • Hato Hone St John Waimakariri
  • Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue

“And a very special thank you to the young couple at the beach who rang 111 for my son, and looked after him and our dog until our family arrived.”

Multiple agencies assembled at the beach after it was reported two people were in trouble 150m north of the Surf Club. In failing light and eventual darkness, search teams scoured the beach along with IRBs and boards.

The Westpac Helicopter arrived as a jet skier found the two people treading water offshore.

They were taken to a waiting ambulance after spending over an hour in the water.

A rescuer said the ability of the two to remain calm and afloat until help arrived was incredible, and “we couldn’t commend them more”.

"We also commend the family member for staying put to provide essential information to first responders.”