CPR performed for more than 90 minutes on young man plucked from water unconscious at Lights Beach in Denmark

A young Perth man is fighting for his life after he was pulled from a rip unconscious and given CPR for more than an hour by onlookers and emergency services at Lights Beach in Denmark on Saturday. In a dramatic ocean rescue at the popular beach, bystanders rushed to the aid of a man in his 20s after he was caught in a rip and swept out to sea about 4.30pm on January 28. A paddleboard was used to retrieve the man who was unresponsive when he was brought back to shore. Denmark police say beachgoers performed CPR on the man until police officers and surf lifesavers rushed to the scene. They continued CPR until St John WA arrived and he was rushed to Denmark hospital under priority one. From there, the man was flown via Royal Flying Doctor Service in critical condition and he arrived at Fiona Stanley Hospital about 4.10am on Sunday. The man was still in a critical condition in intensive care on Monday. Denmark police officer-in-charge Sergeant Alby Van Den Berg praised the members of public and emergency services for their efforts. “It was an amazing response by people with the right skills and knowledge,” Sgt Van Den Berg said. “Local beachgoers noticed a person in distress who was washed out in a rip. “They sourced a paddleboard and retrieved him … we understand he was unresponsive when he was brought back to shore. “Those assisting have performed CPR until two police officers and surf lifesavers have arrived and they continued CPR. “We believe CPR was conducted for in excess of an hour and a half. “He is in a bad way but the quick thinking and skills of people there have given him the best chance possible.” Denmark Surf Live Saving Club’s George Mumford confirmed a second man was caught in the rip but was retrieved with the help of an “angel ring” installed at the beach. In 2021 at Lights Beach, Adam Cook swam a lifesaving ring out to save Bradley Erkelens who thought he was taking his final breaths when caught in a rip. Sgt Van Den Berg urged people to take more care along the coast in the Great Southern. “We have beautiful beaches and water down here but it is very dangerous and unpredictable,” he said. “Too many people have lost their lives on the south coast and the ocean has to be respected. “A big key to this (rescue) was having people swimming at the beach that have been trained in CPR and are confident enough to conduct it. “Also the importance of people attending first aid courses, you never know when you are in a position to save someone’s life.”