Columba College has vowed to review its school excursion safety policy after 18 pupils narrowly avoided tragedy when they were caught in a dangerous rip near Purakaunui yesterday.
Principal Elizabeth Wilson said it was only by ''the grace of God'' and the help of members of the public, that Columba College was not dealing with a tragedy.
''It could have ended in a tragedy if we hadn't had the help of members of the public. The grace of God was with the staff and students today.''
Miss Wilson said the school had been holding a bonding day for 84 year 9 pupils at Canoe Beach, near Purakaunui.
The girls were supervised by 18 year 13 peer support prefects and leaders, six teachers and the year 9 dean.
She said some of the pupils were swimming in the water when ''a freak rip'' came through ''very rapidly'' and dragged several girls out into deeper water.
Fortunately, the girls were rescued by members of the public, as well as school staff and year 13 peer support pupils.
Miss Wilson said she was satisfied there was enough supervision for the trip.
The school had a crisis management policy which equipped staff with skills to manage emergency situations, but in light of the incident, she said the policy would be reviewed.
She assured parents the school had a record of good planning and organisation of school trips where safety was ''paramount''.
She said year 9 excursions had been run annually by the school for the past decade, and had previously been to Purakaunui.
''It has been a very successful location, but it went very badly today.''
Miss Wilson was proud of the teachers, the peer support leaders and the year 9 girls who dealt with the situation.
''Recognising the situation, everyone immediately pulled together into a successful rescue effort.''
She was also grateful to the members of the public at the beach who assisted.
She praised the three surfers ''who were a tremendous help to the girls and I can't speak highly enough of our rescue services''.
''We have a wonderful support network in Dunedin.''
She said many parents and pupils were in shock yesterday as they were reunited at the school.
Some were seen in tears, hugging each other as they left the school.
Victim Support staff were at the school to provide help, Miss Wilson said.
''It's been very, very traumatic for the families of the people involved.''
