Batemans Bay Surf Lifesaving patrol captain Col Knight said at 16:25pm Angus Knight, 15, and Lexus Knight 17 were body surfing and noticed swimmers in distress outside the flags.

“They immediately swam over and offered assistance to both males; one was in a state of shock the other was non-responsive and face down in the water,” he said.

“Angus righted the submerged male, allowing an open airway, whilst Lexus calmed and reassured the other distressed male. A nearby surfer offered them the use of his foam board as a floatation aid as they signaled for assistance.

“Sam Reedy, 15, grabbed a rescue board and paddled out and helped secure the non-responsive male. Angus and Lexus then proceeded to swim the other patient back to shore.” 

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Sam was helped by Gary Blake and Colin Knight to help carry the non-responsive patient with assistance from other beach users. Other patrol members brought oxygen and first aid equipment and rendered further assistance until the ambulance arrived.

“At 16:35 the ambulance arrived and the patient was carried off the beach by patrol members and members of the public and was handed over to medics and then transported to Moruya Hospital,” Mr Knight said.

“The initial reaction from Angus and Lexus certainly provided a better outcome by preventing the situation worsening and the quick response from Sam offered an even better chance of successfully returning the patients to shore.

“All members of the patrol that day participated in the rescue to some degree.”

Cheryl McCarthy, director of lifesaving for the Far South Coast Branch, said the rescue was a testament to the lifesavers’ training.