Click the image above to view slideshowUPDATE 3.30PM: Three teens have been rescued from McLaren Falls after becoming trapped on a rock in the fast-flowing river earlier today.
Emergency services were called to the popular swimming spot off State Highway 29 about 1.15pm after reports the three young women could not get off a rock about 500 metres upstream from the bridge.
One of the girls is winched from a rock at McLaren Falls. Photos: Tracy Hardy
The women, all aged 18 - 20-years-old, from Hamilton, climbed onto the rock in the middle of the river and within minutes the water level rose to a point it became unsafe to attempt to wade back, say police.
Tauranga Police Senior Sergeant Carl Purcell says the water level of the river in the lower Kaimais had increased due to rain overnight and earlier in the day.
It was flowing fast due to natural flow when the girls became stuck.
Due to where they had become marooned the TrustPower TECT Rescue Helicopter was called.
'They were individually winched from the rock and deposited into a car park in the McLarens Falls Park.”
Helicopter pilot Liam Brettkelly says the Port of Tauranga rescue winch was used to lift the girls to safety.
Carl says none of the three girls received any injuries in the incident.
3 comments
river levels
Posted on 28-11-2013 15:20 | By whatsinaname
did they read the signs. this river level can rise with out warning , and with all the rain we had..........
Mclarens Falls
Posted on 28-11-2013 17:01 | By gingerpussy
When the gates are opened the water races down through here.
stupid
Posted on 28-11-2013 18:16 | By blondebabeNZ
I saw the same thing last year and was horrified when these young teens waded out into really fast flowing water, the water was flowing really fast from heavy rainfall and they were risking their lives, yes i called the police, other people were stunned too, I was so scared for them...
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