Schoolgirl rescues swimmer at falls

Press, 11 February 1981, Page 2

Schoolgirl rescues swimmer at falls

PA Rotorua A Rotorua . Lakes High School pupil, Sandra Parris, aged 14, saved a man who was in difficulties while swimming in a pool below Okere Falls. ’ The man, whose name is not known, was heard to call for help on Friday by a party of picnickers, including the girl’s mother. One of the group, Graham Fussier, of Auckland, went to the man’s''assistance but was pulled under by his struggling and had to give up the attempt. Sandra Parris, who was nearby, dived into the pool and reached the swimmer. She managed to pull him to the bank on the other side where an Okere Falls resident, Mr R. Mathieson helped pull him up to land. Mr Mathieson said the girl had saved the man’s life. Another onlooker, Mr John Alexander, of Auckland, said, “That girl deserves a medal . . . Everybody seemed to be frozen to the bank when I got there . . . but the girl had everything under control.” Miss Parris’s mother, Mrs Lee Parris, confirmed yesterday that her daughter was responsible for the rescue. “There were six adults in the group and we are still wondering how she summoned up the courage to dive in and save the man. It happened so quickly,” she said.