Guy Knox
On Saturday March 24, Brunswick Surf Life Saving Club took delivery of a much-anticipated, brand-new Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) with a new outboard motor. Little did club president Craig Reid know how soon it would be used to help save a life after he and other patrol members assembled it at the club.
Soon after it was ready to be put through its paces, a junior member ran up from the beach, raising the alarm that three swimmers were caught in a rip beside the south wall.
Owing to rough and dangerous surf conditions, the Patrol IRB was dispatched immediately, along with the new IRB as back up. While two swimmers made it to shore safely, one swimmer needed IRB assistance after being washed north across the river bar. After reaching the swimmer, first aid was administered and he was transferred subsequently to hospital.
The new IRB was a gift from an anonymous donor and will continue to help save lives.
Guy Knox is from the Brunswick Surf Life Saving Club.