Empowering all Australians
David Winner's CPR Vision
When David Winner’s lifeless body was hauled from a deep rockpool at a beach he had visited for four decades, the odds seemed dire. What unfolded next was a testament to the power of CPR.
David was not just a lifesaver himself, but had trained hundreds of fellow volunteer surf lifesavers, equipping them with vital lifesaving skills. On that fateful day in 2021, it was David who required their lifesaving skills. Pulled into treacherous waters by unpredictable waves, the 71-year-old suffered a head injury and spinal fracture, remaining unconscious underwater for over three minutes. It took five people to pull David out of the sea, but David's friend and fellow volunteer surf lifesaver, Andrew Massey, refused to abandon hope. Employing the CPR techniques David had taught him, Andrew persevered with CPR until emergency personnel arrived.
The rescue marked a turning point in David's life. The harrowing experience inspired a grand vision—to train one million Australians in CPR by 2030. Buoyed by his own survival story and reinforced by the grim statistics of Summer drownings in Australian waters , David's commitment remains to this day. He understands better than anyone just how critical those first few moments are before emergency responders arrive.
David’s story is a testament to the fact that anyone, anywhere, can make a difference. In his own words, "I'm the walking, talking proof of how true that is." Your ongoing support for Surf Life Saving contributes to initiatives like CPR training, extending the ripple of impact far beyond the immediate coastline.
Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) has been at the forefront of promoting CPR education. Over the past two to three years, SLSA has been running CPR courses online, complementing traditional training methods. This innovative approach ensures that even more individuals can learn lifesaving skills, paving the way for a safer future.
Reference article: Surf lifesaver David Winner's plan to teach CPR to one million Australians after summer of drownings - ABC News