A team of dedicated Avoca Beach SLSC patrolling members who prevented a serious incident in dangerous conditions on the Central Coast in January have been recognised for their efforts with the Surf Life Saving Rescue of the Month award.
Just after 4pm on 15 January, with onshore winds and strong currents combining to form 5–8-foot waves crashing into Avoca Beach, patrol was alerted to a group of four swimmers who had lost their footing in the flags and were swept out to sea.
Two patrolling members immediately went out to help and while one assisted the four swimmers while they held onto his board, the other went to the aid of a fifth man who was struggling in the water and was being assisted by a swimmer. His welfare was in question. While this man was paddled back into shore, more swimmers found themselves in trouble, with former and current club members assisting via IRBs, surfboards and rescue boards.
In all, 14 people were rescued by the team of Peter Craik, Brett Beswick, Vince Malone, Paul Nichols, Andrew Collins, Andrew Manser, Chris Hill, George Ruzek, Stuart Harvey, Levi Kasun, Fletcher Berry, Kye Blair, Lynnette Varadin. Many members said it was one of the most dangerous rescues they had ever seen conducted, and without the quick thinking and action of all involved, a far worse result could have occurred.