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An Australian politician who hails far from the ocean has helped rescue a New Zealand tourist from rough seas.
Queensland Nationals senator Barnaby Joyce, who lives in the western Queensland town of St George, was preparing for an early morning swim before lifeguards came on duty on the Sunshine Coast when he spotted the 23-year-old man in trouble in a rip.
"This gentleman was from New Zealand so, unfortunately for him, he was heading home, but by the wrong means," Mr Joyce told Network Ten.
The senator grabbed his boogie board and he and two other rescuers swam out to the man.
All made it back to shore safely.
The man was given oxygen and made a full recovery.
- AAP