The two Auckland couples found themselves in the right place at the right time - the men diving into the deep water while their partners, both trained nurses, performed CPR and revived one apparently lifeless man.
In a sense, they couldn't have been better people to come across the situation.
None of them have sought the limelight. The couple that agreed to speak to the Rotorua Daily Post today are still grappling with what happened and the fact one young life was lost despite their best efforts.
Whether anyone else would have or could have done did what they did, who knows? Most of us will hope we never have to find out.
What the story has rammed home, yet again, is the importance of being able to swim.
Yes we can stay out of the water ourselves, but what if someone else needs our help?
As we report today, there are a number of opportunities around Rotorua for adults to learn to swim, including some aimed at migrants who sadly seem to be over represented in drowning statistics.
Please, take a second to consider signing up. There is nothing to lose, but so much to gain.
