Opinion: Respect to lifeguards who put their lives on the line

Hawke's Bay Today news editor James Ford. Photo / File

This summer has reminded us on several occasions the power of water and the caution we must take while swimming.

Fortunately, on this occasion, a man who found himself in danger was rescued.

Mohammad Alziq has praised the lifeguards at the popular Ocean Beach who saved his life on Sunday after he was swept out to sea.

A wave unexpectedly dumped over him and began pulling him out to sea as he struggled to stay afloat.

Mr Alziq's thoughts in that desperate moment will undoubtedly send shivers down any parent's spine.

"I was thinking, 'Oh, my wife is pregnant, I'm going to die and not see my [child]'."

Early last month the body of 35-year-old Taupo woman Amy Jenny Brown was found by searchers, after she went missing near the Haumoana river mouth.
Ms Brown drowned trying to save her young daughter.

Shortly after, Hemin Limbachiya, a 26-year-old newlywed, drowned after he and his wife were caught in a flash rip and swept out to sea off Waimarama Beach.

Despite the best efforts of locals at the scene, Mr Limbachiya could not be saved after he insisted his wife be rescued first.

The danger in water, and the speed with which it can turn a seemingly safe moment into one that can take lives, makes the efforts of lifeguards even more heroic.

Men and women willing to put their own lives in danger for the sake of others deserve our utmost respect.

I'm sure we all share Mr Alziq's sentiments in thanking those who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.