Couple's dog rescue attempt nearly deadly

A young couple had to be rescued after they attempted to save their pet dog from drowning in the fast-flowing Mararoa River on Saturday.

The young couple were walking their 18-month-old golden labrador near the riverbank about 3pm when the dog jumped in for a swim.

It began to struggle in the strong waters, so the distraught woman, 18, dived in to attempt to save the family pet. Unfortunately, she was also caught in the strong current and swept downstream. MORE>>