Trio’s bravery in rescue recognised

The instinctive rescue of a woman at Blow Holes led to three Albany Sea Rescue volunteers being recognised with bravery awards yesterday.

Crew members Chris Johns, Jason Shepherd and Tim Wilkinson were three of 20 West Australians who were recognised yesterday for outstanding acts of bravery through the 2016 Royal Life Saving Society Bravery Awards.

The trio each received a gold cross from WA Governor Kerry Sanderson at a special ceremony at Government House after being deployed to a search at Blow Holes in October last year to rescue a woman who had suffered serious head, chest and spinal injuries.

After 45 minutes in treacherous conditions in the evening, the crew rescued the victim who became agitated when Mr Johns attempted to deliver first-aid, making the journey back to land challenging.

Albany Sea Rescue operations co-ordinator Mr Johns said the emotional rescue was hugely significant for the group.

“It is the biggest job we have ever been involved with ... I’m so proud of the crew,” he said.

“We were in a perilous position and it was instinctive rescue work from a well-functioned team.”

Mr Johns said the group’s training proved vital in applying first aid in trying conditions.

“I don’t see it as brave,” he said.

“We were able to bring them back to land and hand over to better care and for that person to have another crack at life is significant.”

Royal Life Saving Society WA’s chief executive officer Peter Leaversuch said the bravery awards were given to people in the community who had taken extraordinary actions to save another person’s life with heroic acts varying from sea rescues to performing lifesaving surgery on the side of the road after a car crash.