Bravery awards for men who saved 80-year-old

Three men who pulled an 80-year-old woman from surf at Paekakariki, north of Wellington, yesterday are to receive awards from the police for their bravery.

Paraparaumu scaffolder Carlum Tatane spotted a body floating in the tide and ran into the sea with his colleague, Luke Wara, while his boss, Tony Lincoln, dialled 111.

The rescuers carried the woman on to rocks at the beach and wrapped her in jackets until police and an ambulance arrived.

Senior Sergeant Alasdair MacMillan of the Kapiti police said, "It was amazing that the men happened to look out to sea that moment - someone was looking after someone."