Three recent Surf Rescues that nearly resulted in tragedies in Kiama have highlighted beach dangers, especially in the evenings when beaches aren’t patrolled. All three rescues occurred at night after patrols had stopped, requiring the intervention of nearby surfers. 

One major rescue was at Surf Beach in Kiama involving six people including two young children aged eight and nine, and another at Jones Beach at Kiama Downs involving an adult was also successful, though tragedy was averted only by seconds at Surf Beach.

The six Kiama locals involved in the rescue at Surf Beach Kiama on Saturday 19 November 2023 were Max Laird, Braith Davidson, George Griffin, Harrison Smee, Alex Norris and Zach Marsden.

Photo by Denita Wright-Smee

L to R. Max Laird, Braith Davidson, George Griffin, Harrison Smee, Alex Norris, and Zach Marsden.

They are all members of the Kiama Life Saving Club and realised it was up to them to make the rescue when they heard screaming, as lifeguards had already packed up for the day 20 minutes prior.

The six teens, aged 12 to 15, out in the surf on their boogie boards, reacted instantly. 

A flash rip had taken the entire family out to sea, a mother with her three children and two teenagers.

George told ABC Illawarra that the nine-year-old boy was completely underwater with only his hand visible by the time he reached him. 

Photo by Denita Wright-Smee

L to R. Max Laird, Braith Davidson, George Griffin, Harrison Smee, Alex Norris, and Zach Marsden.

“When I reached the boy the only thing I could see above the water was his hand," the Kiama surfer told ABC Illawarra.

“I was pretty worried, “ said George to ABC.

Three of the boys, Braith, Harrison, and Alex were scheduled to be assessed for their Bronze Medal in SRC the next day on Sunday and all passed brilliantly.

Photo by Kiama SLSC

The Surf Beach rescue occurred at the end of the major surfing event, the Hyundai Australian Boardrider Battle, where more than 70 clubs battled in eight qualifying rounds to reach the grand final.

A similar rescue occurred at Jones Beach, Kiama Downs, where three locals Lucas Mak, George Kalajzich and Dax Cairncross rescued an adult tourist on Thursday 16 November 2023.

The three teens reached the young male swimmer quickly on a surfboard. The rescue also occurred in the evening during unpatrolled hours.

A rescue also took place earlier in the week on Tuesday 14 November at Jones Beach when two visitors from Sydney were rescued by off-duty lifesavers and nearby surfers. The men were assisted with oxygen therapy on site and later transported by ambulance to Shellharbour Hospital for assessment. 

Kiama SLSC President Phil Perry told The Bugle “if you aren't a strong swimmer and the patrol have gone home in the evening at 5.30 pm, don't go in the water”

Harrison Smee said to The Kiama Bugle “Took 30 seconds to a minute to reach them. Grateful that there were six of us out surfing, five on boogie boards, to reach 6 in trouble in the water so quickly.”

The Bugle congratulates all the lifesavers involved in the three rescues and acknowledges that as the name suggests, lives were indeed saved by their professional skills.