Grandfather rescues child at cost of car

Norman Dalwood gets a 'Car Splash' card from Kotomiyo, 3. Photo / Supplied

Rescuing a toddler who fell from her pram into the harbour was worth losing a car over, says good Samaritan Norman Dalwood.

The Otago grandad was on his way to a hospital appointment when he saw a stroller and its precious cargo tip over the sea wall.

In a rush to help the frantic mum, Dalwood neglected to put his handbrake on and after the rescue the pair turned to see Dalwood's car roll into the harbour.

"I wasn't bothered about the car; I was just happy the young girl and her mum were okay," Dalwood said.

"I just had to laugh, it was hilarious after what had happened."

Yoshiko Cowell was walking along a footpath by the sea wall when she stopped to throw a stick for her dog. She put the stroller brake on but the front wheel slipped and the pram tumbled.

"My daughter Kotomiyo must have leaned forward and the stroller just tumbled down into the water," she said.

Kotomiyo was trapped under the pram but kept her head out of the knee-high water until her mother jumped in, followed by Dalwood.

Kotomiyo was scratched and frightened after her ordeal but otherwise unharmed.

"We were so thankful to Norman for helping, and then when his car went into the water I felt so bad for him."

Dalwood said his car was "a bit damaged" but he was hoping for the best.