Lifeguards next to Jesus

HAPPY COUPLE: Romesh Abraham could only think about his new wife Diveka as he prepared to die at Piha.

THANKS: Romesh with family members and the lifeguards who helped save him.

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Devout Christian Romesh Abraham came close to meeting his maker after a near death experience in the treacherous surf at Piha.

Now he is thanking all those who helped pull him through.

Mr Abraham, his brother and cousin were boogie boarding in knee deep water near Lion Rock on Easter Sunday when a wave caught them off guard.

He lost his foothold on the sea floor and was seized by a rip and dragged out into the breakers.

Diveka, his wife of 10 months, was oblivious to the drama unfolding nearby, but even as he fought to survive he was thinking of her.

"I thought ‘Okay God, if it’s my time, that’s it. But if not let me come back and take care of my wife’," the New Lynn resident says.

"I said a short prayer to Jesus and went down."

An off-duty policeman swam out to Mr Abraham and dragged him to shore.

Mr Abraham was treated by lifeguards and ambulance officers and was flown to Auckland hospital in critical condition.

The 28-year-old regained consciousness and learned of the efforts of his rescuers and the support of his family and friends.

Fifty close friends and family were on their knees praying throughout the night when he was taken to hospital.

"It’s great to see all that love, man," he says.

"In situations like this you really see the good qualities come out in people."

But Romesh reserves his greatest thanks for the surf lifesavers who brought him back from the brink.

"I first thank God and Jesus, then I thank the lifeguards," he says.

He returned to Piha recently bearing gifts to thank his saviours.

"I can never repay you guys," he told them.

"You are real-life heroes."

Romesh says he will be forever grateful.

"I still can’t believe I’m alive," he says.

- © Fairfax NZ News