Five NSW surf lifesavers, including three from our own Fingal Rovers, were recognised this week as part of the Australian Bravery Awards.
The trio of lifesavers from Fingal Rovers, NSW’s northern-most surf club, received a Group Bravery Citation for a rescue they conducted at the mouth of the Tweed River in 2004.
Peter Baird, Byron Douglas and Dougal Forsyth saved the lives of 12 people when their boat was swamped on the Tweed River Bar in treacherous conditions. Battling large waves and torrential rain, the three club members used rescue boards and inflatable boats to retrieve all 12 people to safety.
A posthumous Bravery Medal was awarded to Paul Jackman, a member of South Narrabeen SLSC who died while trying to rescue swimmers using the traditional line and reel, in huge seas in 1969.
Mollymook club member James Small received a commendation for his actions.
In November 2006, James Small from Mollymook Surf Life Saving Club was driving along the foreshore when he saw two people caught in a rip about 150 metres offshore.
He swam through rough seas to reach the couple and helped to keep their heads above water. He managed to swim them both back to waist deep water.
Another lifesaver then assisted him with the distressed swimmers, one heavily pregnant, bringing them to shore.
President of Surf Life Saving NSW, Tony Haven, has congratulated those receiving bravery awards.
“While thousands of rescues are performed each year by the state’s 20,000 active patrolling surf lifesavers, it is an honour for some to receive external, public recognition of their brave actions.”
