Members of the public and police created a human chain at a
Napier beach to haul ashore a boy who was washed out in heavy
surf today.
Police said the 12-year-old boy had been playing on the
water's edge along Marine Parade with a friend when they were
caught by a wave.
The friend made it back to shore but the boy was swept out,
police said.
A male German tourist went to the boy's aid but was unable to
keep a hold of him and had to return to shore.
Police were called about 4.55pm and the first officer on the
scene went into the water.
He was also unable to maintain a hold on the boy due to the
heavy surf.
He was joined by a few members of the public who tried to
help.
A second officer entered the water and reached the boy. He
tried to bring the boy back to shore but had to battle to
maintain a grip on him in the heavy surf. At times he lost
hold of the boy, who was underwater for up to 20 seconds at a
time and fading fast.
Police instructed members of the public and other police
staff to form a human chain and this, combined with the
second officer moving the boy towards the shore, saved him.
When the boy was brought to shore he was unresponsive,
physically spent, and could not move unaided, police said.
He was given first aid on the beach by members of the public.
The first two officers, who by this stage were also exhausted
by the surf, were also assisted to shore.
The conditions at the time were treacherous with dumping
waves and an extremely strong undertow.
The boy was taken to Hawkes Bay Hospital but had since being
discharged.
Police said they were proud of the heroism displayed by their
officers and the members of the public.
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