west beach slsc

Members: Kai Nixon (West Beach SLSC), Michael Hartas (West Beach SLSC), Joshua Warne (EOG), Lachlan Larven (EOG), Connor Jones (EOG)

Date: 05 March 2025

Citation:

On 05 March 2025, Kai Nixon, a member of the West Beach Surf Life Saving Club, with the support of his friends and other SLSSA members, demonstrated outstanding initiative and lifesaving skills during a rescue near the West Beach boat ramp while enjoying time on the beach with his friends.

A woman alerted them of her grandson who was struggling in the water. Kai paddled out to him yet was unable to return to shore due to challenging conditions so took the boy to the rocks where Kai’s friends helped the patient to safety. They identified the grandmother had entered the water to assist and was being dragged out to sea in a rip. One of the boys rescued the grandmother and took her to the rocks.

Mike Hartas, who was out on a run, attended the scene and EOG members were called to assist. Emergency Services & SLSSA EOG members arrived and the grandmother was taken from the rocks to the boat ramp in the IRB.

Kai Nixon’s instinct, commitment and skilled response transformed a potentially tragic incident into a story of bravery and a significant rescue. We commend all those involved 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.