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Ever Vigilant Mullaloo Master’s to the Rescue

19.07.2021 Surf SportsNews

The Saturday morning band of Mullaloo Wave Warriors were ready to launch their surf skis at 7.30 am on a wintry morning when a cry for help from nearby swimmers rang out.

A large group of intrepid Ocean enthusiasts, members of the Human Excellence Project, were having a quick dip when they encountered the strength of Mother Nature as they became caught in a rip and trapped in the wave impact zone. Multiple hands were waving for assistance. The Mullaloo Masters Surf Life Savers quickly responded and sprang into action. Three times World Board Rescue Champion- Jeff Vidler and Experienced Surf Life Saver – Jeff Baker sprinted for rescue boards. Meanwhile, Nationally recognised Surf Life Saver (for his rescue of Martin Kane when aggressed by a white pointer shark) – Dale Gration swam out to render immediate assistance and assess and reassure the distressed swimmers. Multiple Surf Life Saving Champion – Amanda Lee – returning from surf ski training, also quickly rendered assistance to a very fatigued swimmer until a rescue board could reach him. Surf Ski Coach and experienced Surf Life Saver – Brenton Rose also rescued a member of the group on his ski until Jeff Vidler could reach him on his rescue board.

Several members of the public needed rescuing and were very fortunate that such a fit and experienced group of off duty Surf Life Savers were rescue ready. Other Mullaloo club members including Tracey Bartlett, Jenny and Richard Orme and Rick Stephenson were also quick to render assistance to the rescuers and patients once they returned to shore.

Meanwhile Phil Dee and Katrina West improvised a First Aid area (current first aid room is being refurbished) and assessed the incoming patients. Former Manager of Surf Life Saving Services Phil Dee demonstrated his calmness and skill in an emergency situation and assisted and reassured three very distressed members of the public.

Another Veteran Masters Competitor Jenni Wood assisted by relaying the patients to the First Aid Area and providing the members of the Human Excellence Project a quick overview of Surf Safety. Mullaloo SLSC in conjunction with SLSWA provides community education courses and a number of the public group were interested in accessing these services to enhance their surf and first aid skills.

Club Legend – Jeff Vidler summed up the morning rescues well “Best morning of my life” were Jeff’s words after, “Love having fun in the surf, putting my skills to the test. Exactly what we coach the kids to do and in racing. Getting to rescue two persons in a matter of minutes and surfing to shore with the second was so rewarding. Even better was participating in a mass rescue with my fellow surf club friends on my home beach”.

Jeff Vidler has been with Mullaloo SLSC for over 20 years and Scarboro SLSC since the early ’60s. Currently, the World Title Holder of Board Rescue, having won it on two previous occasions. Skills in coaching board rescue and competing at numerous world titles were certainly put to the test!

As Surf Life Savers we all love the ocean but equally, have a healthy respect for its dangers. Today had a good outcome but highlighted the value of community education.

“Hi there. I was one of the group who got  stuck in the rip on Saturday morning. I just wanted to say a massive thank you to your life saving ladies who were absolute angels in disguise. It was definitely a first for me, and my goodness have I learnt some hard lessons from today’s experience. I don’t love the ocean any less than I did yesterday, but I definitely respect it a whole lot more. Thanks again” Kerri Klumper