Two water rescues within 24 hours put Auckland's emergency services and the public to the test last weekend, with one outcome a tragedy and the other a story of quick-thinking bravery.
At Pine Harbour Marina in Beachlands, a bystander jumped into the water on Sunday afternoon to help a woman in distress, drawing praise from police for what may have been a life-saving act. Emergency services received the call at around 4.20pm, with the Police Air Support Unit, patrol vessel Deodar, and Coastguard all dispatched to the marina at the end of Jack Lachlan Drive. The bystander, however, did not wait for them to arrive.
"This person hasn't hesitated to help another person in their time of need," said Relieving Counties Manukau East Area Commander, Inspector Nga-Wati Chaplow. "For seeing something and doing something about it, they potentially saved a life."
Responding officers also entered the water once they reached the scene, and the woman was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment. Inspector Chaplow described himself as "extremely proud and humbled" by the actions of both the member of the public and the officers who assisted.
Pine Harbour sits at the heart of some of New Zealand's finest cruising waters, offering direct access to the Hauraki Gulf's popular fishing and sailing grounds. The marina is home to both berth holders and liveaboard residents.
The Sunday rescue came less than 24 hours after a fatal incident near Tāmaki Drive in Parnell, close to the Outboard Boating Club. Emergency services were alerted at approximately 3.35pm on Saturday after a man went overboard. Police recovered him from the water and attempted resuscitation at the scene, but he died there.
The circumstances surrounding the man's death remain under investigation and the matter has been referred to the Coroner.
