Surf racer proves she's a real life saver

Photo / APN

Surf lifesaving competitor Bronagh Ryan has described the actions of a fellow competitor as "pretty bloody amazing" after another swimmer stopped mid-race to help her as she struggled to stay afloat during a severe asthma attack.

The 20-year-old Titahi Bay surf lifesaver was competing in the open women's surf race final on the penultimate day of the national surf lifesaving championships at Ohope Beach in Bay of Plenty yesterday when she got into trouble.

"I was sitting in the top three, four and then I had a bit of an asthma attack and dropped right back.

"She must have seen me go from the front all the way to the back," she said.

A rescue boat was nearby but not close enough to immediately help.

Piha competitor Emily Pearce, who was in the middle of the field, quickly changed course and swam to Ms Ryan, abandoning any chance of winning or placing in the race.

"I was just swimming and noticed one of the girls had stopped," Ms Pearce said. "I waited with her and said 'are you okay?' and she didn't answer."

Ms Pearce, a 19-year-old Auckland University architecture student, held Ms Ryan and kept her afloat for about 30 seconds until rescuers arrived.

"To be honest, I didn't know exactly what was wrong with her. She stopped and it just seemed like the right thing to do [to help]."

Thankfully for both of them, it didn't take too long for a rescue boat to arrive.

Ms Ryan was taken to shore and "sorted out pretty quick" by medics, while Ms Pearce kept swimming, finishing near the back of the field.

Ms Ryan was grateful for Ms Pearce's actions.

"It was pretty bloody amazing, you don't really expect anyone to stop. It was just a real nice gesture," Ms Ryan said.

Ms Pearce, who is a former top age-group triathlete, capped off a memorable day by winning the open women's 2km beach run.