Henley Juniors Rescue Drowning Woman

 

Saturday November 4th 2009

The initial rescue was performed by Jake Butterfield, Lachlan Frances, Daniel Hogan and Jack Mather. The boys were on nipper boards near the end of the Jetty. They noticed a woman "choking" and in difficulty in the water and went to help her. They quickly established that the woman was in trouble. Jack swam in to find help whilst the other boys stayed with her helping her to stay on Jack's board.

  

Jack quickly informed the patrol of the problem and we were able to alert the IRB (driven by Sam Leonard and crewed by Becky Woods).

  

The IRB crew made a clean pick up of the patient. She wasn't breathing when she was pulled into the IRB. Becky's immediate administration of rescue breaths ensured that the patient was breathing by the time she was returned to shore.

  

The patrol were able to stabilise the patient and she was responsive (but still unable to speak) when the ambulance arrived.

  

Five of the younger members featured in the Sunday Mail with a half page story. The rescued woman recovered and was released from hospital and got the opportunity to meet the young rescuers and were surprised by Bendingo West Bch Community Bank giving them an award.

  

They met the Minister of Emergency Services, Michael Wright on Thursday 26^th in Rundle Mall for another presentation.

  

Henley are proud of their young members.