“One of our patrol members spotted three people struggling in the surf just outside the flags. Immediately, instinct kicked in. We had to get someone out there as quickly as possible.” – Cass Clinton, Palm Beach SLSC
It was the warmest day in Sydney since March. Thousands of people flocked to the beach, keen to cool off in the water and enjoy the start of the warmer weather with family and friends. For Patrol Captain Cass Clinton and the crew from Palm Beach SLSC, the hot weather meant they were kept busy all day, ensuring swimmers stayed between the red and yellow flags as they monitored the safety conditions and kept a watchful eye over the crowds.
“It was just before 5pm and our patrol hours were coming to an end,” Cass said. “We were packing up, when one of our patrol members spotted three people struggling in the surf just outside the flags.
“Immediately instinct kicked in. We had to get someone out there as quickly as possible,” Cass said.
One moment the swimmers had been having fun, laughing and enjoying themselves between the red and yellow flags. Suddenly, a rogue wave dragged them beyond the sandbank. Gasping for air and unable to fight the current, the terrified group were quickly out of their depth and struggling to stay afloat.
“Just seconds can count in a situation like this,” Cass said reflecting on the desperate situation the swimmers were in.
Knowing that every passing moment could be the difference between life and death for the panicked swimmers who were struggling to keep their heads above water, Cass and the other volunteer surf lifesavers leapt to action.
“My brother was also on patrol that Sunday, and he’s a skilled board paddler, so I sent him out and he was with the distressed swimmers within 30 to 40 seconds helping the swimmers stay afloat and ensuring the female swimmer who was in the most distress was safely on his board.
“More patrol members went out with rescue tubes and boards, and we quickly launched the IRB to pick everyone up and bring them safely back to shore. We had patrol members ready to assist the patients back on shore including providing First Aid and oxygen, and an ambulance was coordinated in the event it would be needed,” Cass recalled as he described the intricate rescue operation to bring the three swimmers safely back to shore.
“Full credit goes to our patrol group,” Cass said, noting that every member played a critical role in ensuring the distressed swimmers went home to their loved ones that evening.
“The training we get is exceptional. When the rescue took place, everyone jumped to action, everyone knew their roles. I doubt the rescue would have gone as smoothly as it did, had it not been for the training we undergo and the rescue equipment we have access to,” he said.
Cass also recognises the part Surf Life Saving’s supporters play in ensuring he and other volunteer surf lifesavers can continue their lifesaving mission.
“Thanks to the donors, we have the best training and equipment we can possibly have,” he said gratefully.
“Fundraising and donations are greatly beneficial to ensuring we can perform rescues and save lives. Without the boards and equipment we had access to that evening in Palm Beach, the rescue wouldn’t have gone as smoothly,” Cass said.
For Cass, who grew up around the Palm Beach area, being a volunteer surf lifesaver is in his blood. His father was a member, and he was inspired to follow in his footsteps and don the iconic red and yellow to safeguard beachgoers, watching over them and helping prevent the tragedy of precious lives lost on our coastlines.
His dedication to his lifesaving mission is to be commended and it is because of the heroic actions of Cass and the members of the Palm Beach SLSC patrol, that certain tragedy was avoided that day in November last year.