Officers who saved kayaker recognised for bravery

Two Blenheim police officers who dived into an icy river to save a drowning kayaker last year have been recognised for their brave act.

Constables Tony Burdon and Matthew Elliott received commendations from the Royal Humane Society at a ceremony yesterday.

The pair freed a kayaker who was trapped by his feet after his kayak hit submerged rocks in the Wairau River last July.

Both constables waded into the river and freed the kayak. However, the kayaker was exhausted and sank beneath the water.

Mr Burdon dived after him and brought him to the surface but as they were pulled downstream the man slipped from his grasp and he had to dive a second time.

With Mr Elliot's help, the kayaker was brought to shore where he was taken to hospital with extreme exhaustion and hypothermia.

A statement from the Royal Humane Society said the officers had succeeded in preventing an almost certain tragedy and they had acted in trying conditions and with very little regard to their own safety.

- NZPA