Keelan Smith has been nominated for rescue of the month

On Saturday afternoon on the 5/11/16 Keelan Smith, a Newport SLSC active member was at North Palm Beach sitting in his car watching the surf. The beach at the time was not patrolled by lifeguards.

The surf conditions were rough and of a dangerous nature with a moderate size swell and a fast running rip just North of the Northern carpark.

Keelan heard a call for help and noticed 3 swimmers one closer to the shore and two about another 20 meters further out and trapped in the rip approximately 70 meters off shore. The closer swimmer a male in his mid-twenties and fully clothed was in obvious trouble as Keelan rushed down the beach and swam out securing the swimmer who was trying to float on his back and gasping for air. Keelan without any rescue equipment dragged the distressed swimmer back to shore. Immediately, he noticed another two swimmers in trouble waving their arms, signalling for help. Just as Keelan was rushing back through the initial shore break a surfer sprinted down the beach with his surfboard and paddled out to support both swimmers until they were in the break zone where Keelan again assisted the surfer with both swimmers to shore. Keelan reassured the 3 male swimmers exhausted and distressed, and referred them to the hospital as the first swimmer rescued appeared to have taken in water.

When he got back to shore, the male was exhausted and shaken by the experience but very thankful to Keelan. Keelan thought it was best to give them some space and leave them to reflect on the scary experience which could have been fatal if Keelan and the lone surfer was not there to rescue them.

Keelan showed great courage using his strong swimming ability and fitness from the training sessions with the Newport Surf Life Saving competition team to carry out the rescues.

We are very proud of you Keelan! Congratulations on your nomination.