Bravery Award For Teenager Who Made Two Rescues

A modest 13 year-old hero who saved two boys from possible drowning in separate incidents was acknowledged on Wednesday (June 18) by Kaipara District Council with the presentation of a special bravery award.

Daniel Nurse, now a year 9 student at Dargaville High School, made his first rescue as an 11 year-old in 2005 during a school camp at the Kai Iwi lakes when a boy got into difficulties while out of his depth. Daniel swam out to him and brought him back to the bank, then stayed with him until he recovered.

His second rescue was in 2007 when he saved his nine year-old brother Thomas from a rain-swollen Kaihu River. While swimming in the river Daniel saw a white form underwater being swept past by the current. He dived in, grabbed his brother and dragged him to the edge.

Daniel’s actions were honoured with the presentation of a special award by Kaipara Mayor Neil Tiller at a ceremony in the Council Chambers, coinciding with National Volunteer Awareness Week.

Mayor Tiller said it is tremendous when someone goes well out of their comfort zone to help a person in trouble, especially when the rescuer is so young and makes two separate rescues.

“Your actions are very worthy of recognition and on behalf of Council and the community, I congratulate you and say thank you.”

Daniel’s award citation reads, “This certificate is presented to Daniel Nurse on behalf of the Mayor, Councillors and Citizens of Kaipara in recognition of his courage, bravery and selfless action in saving two people from possible drowning in separate incidents.”