Out of nowhere, the children’s mother sprinted into the water and vanished beneath the surface.
Stott realised they were in trouble.
He ran into the water, which was head height by the time he got to the pair.
Stott grabbed the mother and one of the boys.
“I had them above my head,” he said.
Once in shallow water, Stott felt a brief moment of relief but that was shattered by people “shouting and screaming”.
The second boy and his father were still underwater.
Stott rushed back out and as he dove under saw the pair about 3.5m below the surface.
He grabbed the boy and the father in each arm before making his way back to the surface.
The rescue was tricky. The father sank several times as Stott attempted to pull the pair up.
“This happened a couple of times until I got closer to the edge of the drop-off,” he said.
“There was another guy that grabbed the father, and then I swam the boy in and dragged him up on the beach.”
Stott said the boy, about 12 years old, had turned blue and was unresponsive.
He hit the boy on the back several times before rolling him on to his side, after which the youngster started breathing again.
A Hato Hone St John ambulance crew treated the family at the scene.
Stott spent the rest of the day replaying the events in his mind.
“If I was 10 seconds later, I think it would have been a really different outcome,” he said.
“Honestly, they wouldn’t have survived.”
Stott hoped sharing the story would bring awareness around water safety.
Kaipara District Council (KDC) community services manager Glynis McCarthy said no near drownings at Kai Iwi Lakes were recorded in the council’s 2025 incident reporting.
The last drowning at the lakes was in 2022.
McCarthy said swimmers were responsible for assessing their own abilities and the conditions of the water.
“However, KDC, in our role of co-governors of Taharoa Domain, has a duty of care to keep the grounds and facilities in safe condition.”
Taharoa Domain has water safety signage, including warning signs about a steep drop-off.
McCarthy said water safety signage was updated after a recent review to align with Surf Lifesaving NZ standards. Rescue devices are attached to the back of all the warning signs.
Ambassadors are also on-site regularly to speak with people about the swimming risks.
“Campers are sent reminders about water safety in emails five days prior to arrival date,” McCarthy said.
Whangārei area prevention manager, Senior Sergeant Dave Wilkinson, said there was no doubt Stott’s action saved lives.
“He’s a hero – there’s no two ways about it.”
Wilkinson said people should never overestimate their abilities.
“ ... Many people believe their swimming ability is better than what it really is.
“If you are not experienced in the water, stay where your feet can touch the ground and take extra precautions.”
Water Safety NZ interventions lead Esther Hone said Stott’s quick actions saved lives but he reminded people water could be unforgiving.
“Every year we lose New Zealanders who drown attempting to rescue others.”
Water Safety New Zealand’s tips for people this summer
- Actively supervise children in and around the water.
- Know what your capabilities are. Even strong swimmers drown.
- Practise your ability to float and understand what to do when things go wrong. Float on your back with your ears in the water to increase your chances of survival. Remember not to panic if you unexpectedly enter the water, relax and focus on controlling your breathing.
- Know the environment, is it safe to go in? Dangers exist in every river and at the beach. New Zealand’s conditions can change quickly and it is important to expect the unexpected.
- If swimming at the beach, swim between the red and yellow flags.
- Always check weather and tide conditions before heading out.
- When swimming, diving or boating, avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you will come back – this can be crucial information for rescuers to locate you.
Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.
