KEY POINTS:
A Hawke's Bay lifeguard is lucky to be alive after his hand became jammed under a rock while he was diving for paua and crayfish at Waimarama Beach, south of Hastings.
Ben Doggett, in his 40s, eventually managed to wrestle his hand free, after becoming trapped underwater behind Te Motu O Kura Island (Bare Island) on Monday night.
His 15-year-old diving partner Tim Burtin noticed Mr Doggett was in trouble when he resurfaced and assisted him to a nearby fishing boat.
The men, who were fishing aboard the boat, rushed him to shore calling emergency services on the way, Hawke's Bay Today reported.
Ocean Beach director of lifeguading Walter Aoake said Mr Doggett was put into the recovery position on the beach where he vomited "large amounts" of sea water.
Volunteer firefighters also gave him oxygen until the rescue helicopter arrived. Rescue helicopter pilot Dean Herrick said Mr Doggett was "very lucky" to free his hand. "He was very close to drowning."
Waimarama director of lifeguarding Phil Harman said Mr Doggett was a very experienced lifeguard and the near drowning emphasised how important it was to never dive alone.
"The first golden rule of diving is always dive in pairs. That was the saving grace for Ben - the fact that he was taken back to the beach so quickly."
- NZPA
