They say in times of need heroes don't think, they act. Oakville resident Jake Elven is proof, putting his own life at risk on the weekend (Sunday, March 21) to save a couple stranded in flood waters at Pitt Town Bottoms in Sydney's north west.
At around midday Mr Elven, 25, and his partner, Jessie-Lee Zaccazan, were surveying the extent of the flooding around their area when they received a call to say his father's cabin at Hawkesbury Riverside Gardens had gone under along with his car.
The pair were also told that there was a couple in need of rescuing.
"We were like 'oh no' we better get a jet ski or boat to help out, because Jake knows the area really well," Ms Zaccazan said.
"The SES were on the way. They had been called by the couple, but it was decided that launching the boat to get them would be too dangerous because of the speed of the water and fences and other items."
Ms Zaccazan said that Mr Elven was given the nod to take the jet ski across and bring the couple back one by one.
"He was given a radio to keep in contact," she said. "My partner rescued the two people and got them back safely. If not it would have involved PolAir.
"It was so rapid. I was petrified ... I didn't take my eyes off the flood, because I thought if he comes off, it could be really dangerous."
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Obviously proud of Mr Elven, Ms Zaccazan said that despite him being a bit of a "daredevil", the experience still left her feeling quite nervous.
She said that the couple, believed to be aged in their 40s, were extremely grateful.