Emergency operations group
Members: Hayley Hosking (Seacliff SLSC), Lachlan Larven (Glenelg SLSC), Kylie Ellison (Semaphore SLSC), Sam Ralph (Grange SLSC), Lillian Woodroffe (Brighton SLSC), Robert Tanner (Brighton SLSC), John Charles (South Port SLSC), Noelene Charles (South Port SLSC), Dan Demaria (Glenelg SLSC), Joshua Warne (SLSC)
Date: 27 January 2025
Citation:
On 27 January 2025, the SLSSA Emergency Operations Group (EOG) demonstrated outstanding initiative and lifesaving skills during a rescue at West Beach Boat Ramp. The team were tasked by SAPOL to respond to a member of the public swept into the rocks by strong currents while swimming on the southern side of the West Beach Boat Ramp.
At approximately 18:30hrs, the EOG team responded swiftly, with SOC members also called in after hours to assist in the coordination of this major incident. Conditions were hazardous, with strong SSW winds gusting up to 56 km/h, air temperatures around 20°C, and large swell.
The team was first on the scene and quickly located the patient, using a rescue tube to reach her. As the rescuer maneuverered toward the rocks, an IRB crew member joined, performing vital assessments. Meanwhile, additional rescuers scaled the rocks to improve communication with the command team.
With SAAS and SAPOL on-site, it became clear that recovering the patient via the water or the rocks would require extraordinary measures. All attempts were unsuccessful due to the extreme conditions, and the State Rescue Helicopter was called in as the only viable option.
As the helicopter approached, the EOG members stayed with the patient, offering reassurance and providing care despite the harsh conditions. Lifesaver 2 provided essential water cover as the team await the arrival of the helicopter 19:30hrs, allowing a paramedic to be winched onto the rocks and safely extract the patient.
The EOG teams’ instinct, commitment and skilled, coordinated response transformed a potentially tragic incident into a story of bravery and effective rescue.
We commend the EOG team for their exemplary actions, which underscore the critical role of our volunteer lifesavers play in keeping our coastal community safe. Their courage and commitment are an inspiration to all.
