DELTA 2.0 PATROL

Members: Matthew Ludgate, Jack Breen, Rosie Kavanagh, Layla Woods, Oscar Rudman, Damion Burrage, John Kavanagh, Nate Ludgate

Club: Goolwa SLSC

Date: 09 March 2025

Citation:

On 9 March 2025, Delta 2.0 Patrol of Goolwa SLSC demonstrated exceptional initiative and lifesaving skills during a multi-patient rescue at Goolwa Beach.

After extending their patrol due to ongoing beach activity, two teenagers alerted patrol members to a boy caught in a rip on a pool float. Both of his parents had entered the water to assist. On arrival, Matt Ludgate and Jack Breen found the teens helping the father from the water and were informed the mother was still in distress. Matt paddled out and rescued her from the impact zone - she was entangled in seaweed, semi-conscious, and non-verbal.

Jack confirmed the boy was safe on shore. Rosie Kavanagh and Layla Woods arrived to assist, placing the father - who was showing signs of respiratory distress - in the recovery position and administering oxygen while preparing a defibrillator. Once Matt returned with the mother, Jack and Oscar helped bring her ashore and provided oxygen.

Both parents were transported to South Coast District Hospital by SAAS, with the mother later airlifted to Flinders Hospital after suffering a heart attack. Thanks to the patrol’s swift and coordinated response, both made a full recovery.

Delta 2.0 Patrol’s awareness, professionalism, and commitment turned a potentially tragic situation into a successful rescue and are a testament