Jack Malcolm and Dunedin Constables Charlotte Davies and Brent Mitchell were presented with Water Safety New Zealand merit awards at a ceremony in Dunedin yesterday for their parts in the water rescue of a Dunedin woman.
The citation from Water Safety New Zealand said police were called to the Birch St wharf at 3.16am on December 14 when a member of the public reported a woman sitting on the wharf, her legs dangling over the side.
Police attended and tried to take her to the emergency psychiatric service, but she refused and they took her home.
Later that morning, about 5.30am, Jack and his twin brother, David, were at the wharf fishing with their father, Keith Malcom, when they saw a distressed woman, later recognised to be the same woman, jump in the water.
Jack reacted instantly and jumped in, holding the woman's head above water while his father called emergency services.
When police arrived, Const Davies entered the water to assist the woman and relieve Jack, who had been in the water for some time.
Const Mitchell and other police staff commandeered a dinghy they found nearby to assist the rescue.
They had some difficulty getting the woman out of the water and back up on to the wharf, due to part of the wharf being behind a security gate and fence.
But they eventually succeeded.
She was treated by ambulance staff.
Jack's efforts were praised by police, his school principal Philip Craigie, who said the teen's efforts gave Kaikorai Valley College a great sense of pride, and Mr Cull, who said Jack had gone beyond just bravery in showing his concern for another member of Dunedin's community.
"I commend that, it was a superb effort and shows a great attitude towards being a member of this community."
Jack said it was nice to be recognised by so many important people.
Water Safety New Zealand general manager Matt Claridge said Jack and the constables had done something many could not do, and that was worth acknowledging.
Dunedin police search and rescue head Senior Sergeant Brian Benn said Const Davies was a perpetual volunteer and always willing to lend a hand.
He commended Const Mitchell, a former ambulance officer, for his resourcefulness and everyone who attended the scene for their teamwork to get the woman to safety.
Both officers were humble about the recognition.
Const Davies, who, it was later revealed, is not fond of water or an experienced swimmer, said the officers were just doing their job.
Const Mitchell said the successful rescue was down to a large team of people, of which he and Const Davies were just two parts.
Both commended Jack's actions as being critical on the day.
