Carterton School pupil Jack Britland has been hailed a hero after racing to the aid of a fellow swimmer who was struggling near the deep end of the pool at a school sports meet.
Teacher Melanie MacGregor, who is a contact at the school for the Junior Neighbourhood Support scheme, had nominated the 10-year-old Year 6 pupil for a JNS prize for his courage and quick-thinking at the school swimming meet in mid-February.
"We had finished our school swimming sports and at the end we had a free swimming time, so they were all in the pool enjoying themselves," Ms MacGregor said.
She said Jack was swimming around in the pool with other children when he saw fellow Carterton School pupil Tim Parker, 8, "was in a bit of difficulty".
"Tim was in the deeper end of the pool and was struggling, so Jack swam over to him and gave him support and had his arm up in the air to call the lifeguard. By that time other teachers had noticed and Jack stayed with Tim until the lifeguard had swum over. It was in the middle of the pool and was pretty amazing stuff."
