Chief Fire Officer Jason Lyall, of Balclutha, said were it not for the timely intervention of Milton man Neil Davidson in pulling the woman from the Clutha River near the town’s rugby club grounds, it was likely tragedy would have struck.
Mr Davidson and wife Cathy were enjoying their regular dog walk along the Clutha riverbank close to the Balclutha Bridge just before 9am when they saw the woman in distress, floating downstream.
Mrs Davidson described what happened next.
"We’d passed an older woman on the riverbank as we headed out, and Neil noticed she wasn’t there on the way back.
"We had a look around and couldn’t believe it when we saw her midstream, floating down river.
"Neil didn’t think twice, handed the dog leads over and jumped in."
Mrs Davidson said she called 111 immediately, and tried to wade into the water to help.
"It was just so cold, and it gets deep very quickly.
"It’s a pretty dangerous river if you get into trouble out there."
CFO Lyall said Mr Davidson had saved the woman by the time emergency services arrived about 9am.
"Balclutha Fire [and Emergency New Zealand] arrived at the same time as local police, and when we got to the scene down the floodbank adjoining Clutha rugby grounds, Mr Davidson was in the river with a lady, holding her head above water.
"Several emergency personnel helped Mr Davidson and the lady from the water, before stabilising her and taking her to Balclutha Health First hospital.
"There’s no doubt in my mind that the selfless, heroic actions of this member of the public saved a life today."
CFO Lyall also praised local emergency services and Clutha Health First for a "real team effort".
Mr Davidson, cold and wet but in good spirits after the rescue yesterday, said a Monday morning swim had always been on the cards for him and his wife, but not in the way it had played out.
"We’d actually come to Balclutha to walk the dogs then go for a swim at the pool.
"I think we’ll pass on the pool today, though."
