Mr Geoffrey Mathieson
On the 18th of March 2019, two divers were diving for paua, near Red Rocks on the South Wellington coast.
The wind was strong and the sea was extremely choppy. One diver got into difficulty and was unable to make it back to shore.
The other diver reached the shore and told Geoffrey Mathieson that his friend was in trouble. Mr Mathieson contacted emergency services, put on his wetsuit and fins, and entered the water with a polystyrene box that could be used as a flotation device.
Mr Mathieson managed to swim through the rough seas to the diver, who was unable to hold on to the box, due to his deteriorating state.
Mr Mathieson tried to return with the diver to the shore, fighting against waves and a strong current. He kept the diver afloat for about 40 minutes until a rescue helicopter arrived and deployed a safety diver, who was able to help them back to shore.
The diver was treated by paramedics at the scene, before being taken to hospital.
Mr Mathieson undertook this rescue without regard for his own safety. His timely actions, in alerting emergency services and undertaking a rescue in rough and dangerous conditions, ensured that the diver survived.