A father of four spending the day lake-side with his family and friends found himself diving headfirst into a rescue operation he never saw coming.
Earlier this month Haruru resident Aaron Stott was at Kai Iwi Lakes with his wife and three of their children when another family ran into trouble in the water.
Aaron says it was early evening when he and his wife and their friend decided to take a walk along the beach.
"We were walking back when my wife saw a couple of kids in the water and noticed something wasn't quite right.
"Then all of a sudden the mum ran in and basically just went under."
Aaron says he started running into the water.
"I managed to get the mum and a child into the shallow part of the water.
"And then I thought, 'oh thank goodness, I've got them out and they're ok'."
But Aaron says another person nearby yelled out to him that there were two more people in the water.
"But I couldn't see anyone - so I just dove in and there were two more people and they were at the bottom of the lake."
Somehow, Aaron managed to take hold of both people and push them up to the lake's surface.
"Someone grabbed the father and he was ok, but I was holding the boy who was blue and unresponsive.
"I carried him up to the beach and whacked him on the back a couple of times before putting him on his side and he started breathing again."
He says by this stage his daughter had run for help, a nurse was on the scene and Hato Hone St John ambulance officers were on their way.
"If I was 10 seconds later I think it would have been a really different outcome."
When asked what was running through his head at the time, Aaron says it was simple.
"Just get them out, get them out of the water."
In the moments afterwards, Aaron says he went backwards in his mind, thinking about how they ended up there at that exact moment in time.
"To be in that place, and at that time - it's pretty crazy, and really lucky.
"I just really hope they are all ok."
He says he hopes sharing this story prompts other families to be safe around the water.
"Just don't go in if you're not experienced in the water, and if you are going on any type of craft then always wear a life jacket."
A Hato Hone St John ambulance crew assessed and treated the family members at the scene.
Whangārei Area Prevention Manager, Senior Sergeant Dave Wilkinson, says there's no doubt Aaron's actions saved lives, however warns attempts to rescue others can put more people at risk.
"He's a hero - there's no two ways about it.
"He didn't hesitate, he dove in and rescued four people and he deserves to be recognised for his actions."
Senior Sergeant Wilkinson says everyone heading out to enjoy the water should be prepared.
"Water can be unforgiving and we want everyone to come home safe and well to their family.
"Never overestimate your abilities, many people believe their swimming ability is better than what it really is.
"If you are not experienced in the water, stay where your feet can touch the ground and take extra precautions."
Water Safety NZ Interventions Lead, Esther Hone, says Aaron's quick actions saved lives.
But not everyone is so fortunate.
"The instinct to save others is a natural human instinct, however around water it can be very dangerous. Every year we lose New Zealanders who drown attempting to rescue others."
Water Safety NZ encourages all New Zealanders to know how to stay safe in, on and around water.
• Actively supervise children in and around the water.
• Know what your capabilities are. Even strong swimmers drown.
• Practice your ability to float and understand what to do when things go wrong. Float on your back with your ears in the water to increase your chances of survival. Remember not to panic if you unexpectedly enter the water, relax and focus on controlling your breathing.
• Know the environment, is it safe to go in? Dangers exist in every river and at the beach. New Zealand's conditions can change quickly and it is important to expect the unexpected.
• If swimming at the beach, swim between the red and yellow flags.
• Always check weather and tide conditions before heading out.
• When swimming, diving or boating, avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you will come back - this can be crucial information for us to locate you.
Hato Hone St John Mid North Area Operations Manager, Callum Bracey, says Northland ambulance crews frequently respond to water incidents during the summer.
"This event shows how crucial early bystander action is and knowing basic first aid.
"If more people learn how to call 111, perform CPR, and locate the nearest AED, then more lives can be saved in an emergency."
If there is a water-related emergency, always call 111 immediately and ask for Police.
