Local surf lifesavers have been recognised for their endeavours in a rescue in January this year at a national Surf Lifesaving award night in Sydney on Saturday.
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Four of seven clubs within the Far South Coast branch have all received accolades out of 315 clubs nationally, a tremendous result.
Don and Jack Hay and Andrew Holt of the Pambula Surf Lifesaving Club were all proud to represent the club on a national level.
“The small clubs that we are in the Far South Coast branch, to get national recognition like this is pretty good,” Holt said.
Don Hay agreed saying that “it’s a wonderful thing for Jack and Andrew, it was good to stand up there and represent the Pambula club knowing we have such a good team behind us.”
“The night was really good and I enjoyed meeting other lifesavers and hearing their stories,” Holt said.
Holt and Hay both agreed that the recognition was nice, but it all comes with the job.
“You might have one callout – you might have 20, but you just go and try and put yourself in the best position you can,” Hay said.
All three men were awarded a Certificate of Merit for their brave actions after rescuing two stranded surfers in huge swells.
Both Holt and Hay held the surfers in high regards after their actions had saved an American tourist as night fell.
“It could of turned out a lot worse if those guys hadn’t jumped in, so I really tip my hat to them,” Holt said.
Hay echoed Holt’s sentiment “they deserve so much credit for what they did.”
Holt had launched off the rocks with a rescue board into four-metre swells to keep the surfers calm and secure while Don and his son Jack launched the “duck” from Pambula.
Only 17 at the time Jack Hay showed no hesitation in assisting Don with
the rescue.
“Jack’s very competent in the water, he follows instruction very well and I was proud that I could rely on him going out there,” Hay said.
Despite darkening skies and dramatic swells all three men were well prepared and viewed it as just another callout.
“I didn’t see it as a huge deal, It’s what you’re trained for, you just do what you’ve got to do,” Holt said.
“Don’s been driving ducks for 30 years and I would trust him in any size swell.”
Don said he had complete trust in Holt’s abilities.
“I wouldn’t ask anyone to do it if I didn’t think they could, I have every confidence in Andrew and the team,” he said.
“We have the mentality of if it was your kid, would you go?
“If it was my kid I would like to know someone would go out and give it a go.”
The men were pleased to represent their club at the awards night, but shared the sentiment that it will be business as usual as summer approaches.
Holt took the opportunity to remind swimmers and surfers that conditions can change quickly and to stay safe when enjoying our beaches this summer.
“Don’t underestimate the ocean,” he said.