“As soon as I saw people in trouble, I immediately thought ‘I’ve got to go and help them! My training kicked in. I grabbed a rescue board and paddled straight out. 

“I reached one the guys and got him onto my board, paddling hard to bring him back to shore. As I was paddling out to get the second guy, the jet ski arrived and brought him back in.  

“They were shocked and breathless. It turned out they’d been trying to get out of the rip for around 20 minutes,” Austin said, describing the frighteningly helpless situation the swimmers had been in. 

“It felt good knowing I’d been there for them when they really needed somebody.” 

A lifesaving mission with an enormous impact 

This summer, thousands of people’s lives will be saved by volunteer surf lifesavers. It might be a child caught in a rip. A swimmer who’s gone out too far. Or a mother struggling in treacherous surf. It could be you or your loved ones. You never know when you might need us, but with your support we can be there when you need us most. 

The National Coastal Safety Report (NCSR) 2025, highlights the immense need for beach safety across our coastlines, and the incredible effort and dedication of our heroes, like Austin, who provide it. 

Over the past year, volunteer surf lifesavers saved the lives of 8,207 people, 1,072 of them in WA. These aren’t just numbers - each rescue represents a future safeguarded and a family spared heartbreak. 

As we move into the summer holidays, the NCSR also reminds us of the danger of swimming at unpatrolled locations and the higher risk of drownings on public holidays. Tragically, 27 people lost their lives to drowning along WA’s coastlines last year, all outside the red and yellow flags. 

A number that could have included the two men at Scarborough Beach. Thankfully, they were given a second chance at life. 

Because of Austin. 

Because of his bravery and courage. 
Because of his quick-thinking and training. 
And because of YOUR support. 

How you can help save lives this summer 

This festive season, we’re asking you to give the most meaningful gift of all: safety 

Austin’s story is testament to the extraordinary impact volunteer surf lifesavers have on communities across Australia. An impact that is made possible by the generous support of Surf Life Saving’s donors like you. 

Your donation will directly support lifesaving training, equipment, and surf safety education across WA and Australia. Through your donation, you’ll be joining heroes like Austin in saving lives and helping make our beaches safer for everyone. Working together, we can reduce the number of tragedies on our coastlines. 

Training the next generation of volunteer surf lifesavers 

Austin represents the next generation of lifesavers who are ensuring our lifesaving legacy lives on. Young people who are ready to act when it matters most - confident, capable, and prepared thanks to their training - training that is only made possible because of their dedication and your support - a shared mission to protect beachgoers and save precious lives. 

At the time of the rescue, Austin had just completed his Surf Rescue Certificate, a core program that gives young members essential patrol skills, including board and tube rescues, and first aid skills.  

Now, he’s completing his Bronze Medallion to develop further vital lifesaving skills. We caught up with him at the end of a vigorous training session for spinal rescues - his dedication to Surf Life Saving meaning he is completing his training seven days a week from 8am to 12.30pm - all during his Year 10 school holidays. 

“It feels good to help the community and make sure swimmers are safe,” Austin said. “Scarborough is a busy beach and lots of people aren’t overly educated around the ocean. After the rescue, I made sure to take the time to educate the men about rips.” 

Austin was recognised with a prestigious Coastal Bravery Award for his role in the rescue, something the humble teenager says was really rewarding even though he was just doing his duty.  

“I didn’t do the rescue to be recognised,” he said. “I just saw people who needed help, and I had the skills to help them, so I did. Mum was really proud of me!”  

Please stand beside our heroes like Austin and give the gift of safety this holiday season. Donate to Surf Life Saving today, join our lifesaving mission, and help protect lives across our Aussie beaches. 

Let’s make this summer a safe one. Surf Life Saving needs heroes like you.