QUICK thinking by Juniors at Urunga Surf Life Saving Club played an important role in the rescue of a surfer on Saturday, 29 January.

Recognising the life-saving actions of the youngsters, Shane Fernie, Junior Activities Chair (JAC) told News Of The Area, “Three of our rookie members (under 15), Chia, Imogen and Evie, were tasked with setting up the patrol area prior to the commencement of patrol.

“They noticed a person caught in a fast-flowing rip adjacent to the patrol area who was waving and yelling for assistance.

“All the girls having completed their Surf Rescue Certificate only in the past twelve months followed their training by alerting the Patrol Captain who was completing sign-on protocols at the observation tower.

“As the patrol captain ran onto the beach, Oliver, another rookie (aged 14) had his racing board on the beach and was tasked with paddling out to the swimmer in trouble.

“Without hesitation Oliver paddled to the surfer who was also being assisted by a local surfer.

“The man in trouble was able to hang on to Oliver’s board until the Patrol Captain was able to paddle out and assist with bringing the man to shore.”

The struggling surfer was a local man aged in his 60s who was very grateful for the assistance given to him.

Shane explained that the rip he was caught in has formed over the last month where high rainfall and tides have opened the mouth of Dalhousie Creek.

This in turn has formed a large and fast flowing rip directly in front of the Creek opening.

“All junior members were commended on their response to this serious situation.

“They followed their training perfectly.

“Urunga is only a small club, but we pride ourselves on being a family club which aims to develop our Nippers so that they are competent when negotiating the surf and are able to recognise dangerous currents, rips and other dangers that present themselves at the beach.”

 

By Andrea FERRARI