KEY POINTS:
Police are considering prosecuting a youth who had to be rescued after jumping into the Waikato River under the control gates bridge at Taupo yesterday.
The 17-year-old was dragged to safety after rescuers reduced the river flow level.
Police said it was the second time in a month that the youth had jumped into the river at that point.
On the first occasion he was able to swim downstream and climb out of the river.
Police Sergeant Shane McNally said the youth's behaviour was irresponsible.
"It is likely that he will be charged...possibly disorderly behaviour."
Police were told yesterday that someone was in trouble in the river just downstream from the control gates bridge, Senior Sergeant Tony Jeurissen said.
"Police staff at the scene reported that a male was in the river and jammed against the control gates on the downside of the river. "He was being held against the gates by the pressure of the backflow of the water."
A rescue operation was launched involving police, fire, ambulance and civil defence.
Mighty River Power was contacted and managed to close the control gates.
"The flow of the water had reduced, and, with the assistance of rescuing staff the male was able to be dragged onto dry land to safety," Mr Jeurissen said.
The youth appeared to be unaffected by the ordeal.
- NZPA
