Warnadoone lifesavers’ quick action saves young boy’s life
Without hesitation, Warnadoone Surf Lifesaving Club's junior member sprang into action and performed his first rescue.
KEITH Ward (16) of Warnadoone Surf Lifesaving Club showcased remarkable lifesaving skills when he rescued a distressed swimmer at Baggies Beach on November 30.
The club’s chairperson, Gavin Fristenberg, said Warnadoone is extremely proud of the quick actions of its junior member.
Also read: Lifesavers respond to three call-outs at Amanzimtoti beaches
“While playing rugby at Baggies Beach, he was asked by a group of teens for assistance as one of their friends was in difficulty in the mid-break and stuck in a strong wash. He swam out and retrieved the patient who was submerged and returned him to the shore. He placed him in the recovery position while the ambulance was on its way. The patient was transported to hospital for further treatment. We strongly encourage the public to swim between the bathing flags at safe swimming beaches.”
Reflecting on the event, Keith emphasised how everything he had learnt in his 10 years of lifesaving instinctively came into play.
“This was my first rescue. When I saw the young boy, I knew I had to do something. My adrenaline was pumping, and I was nervous for my safety, but without hesitation, I sprinted down the beach and into the water through the rip current. In that moment, everything I had ever learnt came to me, and I successfully brought him back to shore,” he said.
Keith added that he felt pretty good knowing he saved a life. “The boy’s friends kept thanking me for rescuing him, which makes all the effort that much more rewarding,” he said.
Keith, who has been with the club for three years, said he got into lifesaving because his mother, brother and uncles were all lifesavers.
“I love the beach and ocean, and being able to save a life tops it off,” he said.
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