New Zealand Police Association has praised Sergeant Harry Ghodke, who has been awarded the New Zealand Bravery Medal for an extraordinary off-duty rescue that helped save a young boy’s life—amid a tragedy that claimed another.
The medal was presented by Governor-General of New Zealand Cindy Kiro at Government House in Auckland, recognising Sgt Ghodke’s courage during a life-threatening incident at Glenorchy in January 2023.
What began as a summer afternoon near the Rees River quickly turned into a desperate fight for survival when a young boy was swept into the fast-moving waters and dragged into Lake Wakatipu.
As per Otago Daily Times, Off-duty and with his family nearby, Sgt Ghodke did not hesitate. Battling a powerful undertow, he swam out into deep water to reach the panicked child, who had already slipped beneath the surface. When he found him, the terrified boy clung tightly, pulling the officer further into the lake.
Despite the danger, Sgt Ghodke managed to calm the boy, urging him to float on his back—buying precious time as the situation worsened.
Exhausted and fighting the current, the officer attempted to return to shore. About 15 metres from land, he ran out of energy, unable to find footing beneath him. Summoning his last strength, he pushed forward and reached safety, signalling urgently for help.
Seeing the unfolding emergency, bystander Jonny Young swam out to assist. He reached the boy but became separated and overwhelmed by exhaustion in the unforgiving water.
Moments later, another passer-by, Susan Burke, entered the lake. Spotting both the boy and Young struggling, she pushed through the deepening water and managed to reach the child.
With immense effort, she brought the boy back to shore—where Sgt Ghodke, already spent, helped secure his safety.
As shouts rang out that Young had disappeared beneath the surface, Burke turned back, searching repeatedly underwater alongside others. But despite their efforts, he could not be found. His body was recovered the following day.
The bravery medal recognises how Sgt Ghodke’s quick thinking and composure—calming the boy and keeping him afloat—created the critical window that made the rescue possible.
Burke has also been awarded a New Zealand Bravery Medal for her role in saving the child and her relentless attempt to locate Young.
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