Lifesaving officers receive ultimate honour

Senior Constable Bryan Farquharson, left, and Constable Paul Bailey with rescued Napier teenager Joshua McQuoid, after receiving their Police Association bravery awards in Wellington yesterday. Photo / Mark Mitchell

A teenager who was rescued by two police officers from rough surf on Marine Parade has paid tribute to his heroes.

Joshua McQuoid, 13, was with his cousin at the beach in March when a large wave broke on shore, knocking him over and sucking him into the surf. He was swept along the beach, and an attempt by a German backpacker to rescue him failed as he struggled against the strong swells.

Senior Constable Bryan Farquharson and Constable Paul Bailey responded to a 111 call, but were also beaten back by the surf.

They managed to reach Joshua at one point but the undertow broke their grip on him and swept them back out.

Mr Farquharson then had the idea to form a human chain, and managed to bring Joshua back to shore with the help of other people on the beach that day.

Video footage of the rescue captured the moment members of the public joined the officers to form a human chain to bring Joshua to shore, after Mr Farquharson and Mr Bailey were repeatedly beaten back by strong waves.

Their efforts were recognised at the Police Association Annual conference yesterday, where Prime Minister John Key presented each of them with a prestigious New Zealand Police Association Bravery Award.

The awards were reserved for officers who had performed the "most outstanding acts of police bravery," Police Association president Greg O'Connor said.

"The actions of police officers Farquharson and Bailey exemplified the traditions and highest ideals of policing," he said.

Mr O'Connor said the officers showed "extraordinary and selfless bravery, in leaping without hesitation into dangerous surf to save Joshua's life".

Joshua thanked the officers for their efforts.

"You said you weren't a hero, but I think you are, you are probably the most heroic men I have met in my life. I'd like to thank you so much for being there that day to save me," he said.

Mr Farquharson said he was proud to be a recipient of the award.

"It takes you back to the moment, very overwhelming."

Mr Bailey and Joshua also talked about the German tourist who helped in the rescue.

"If he hadn't done what he did then, we wouldn't have seen the little boy in the water when we got there."