Rookie rescues jetskier in wild waves

Photo / Tania Webb

A rookie lifeguard is being credited with saving a man thrown from his jetski in heavy surf at a popular Coromandel beach.

Sam Barclay, an 18-year-old from St Kentigern College, was cooking at the Whangamata Surf Club earlier this week when colleague Rachelle Bright spotted an unoccupied jetski in the waves.

She ran to the beach tower with senior lifeguard Andrew Earl-Peacock and saw a young man being battered in 6m waves, about 100m from the shore.

Aucklander Nick Drake was struggling after being thrown from his jetski as it nose dived into the surf. He was out of breath and slurring when Mr Barclay reached him.

"He was just sort of bobbing about. He looked like he was trying to kick himself in but he wasn't moving and he was getting smashed by every wave that was coming in as well," the newly qualified lifeguard said.

Mr Barclay attached a rubber tube to Mr Drake and dragged him in.

Mr Earl-Peacock, who had rushed to the shore with a resuscitation kit, said Mr Drake was pale and had swallowed water.

"He was facing the shore and trying to make it in but waves were washing over his head."

The lifeguards assessed Mr Drake and gave him oxygen while a GP holidaying in the area assisted until paramedics arrived.

Mr Barclay, who qualified as a lifeguard last year, said he was stoked his first rescue had been a success.

Mr Drake returned to the club the following day to thank his rescuers and to make a donation.