Brave surf rescue saves father and son from tragedy

Community members are calling for Bateau Bay local Airlie Chadwick to be formally recognised for her courage after she saved a father and son from drowning at Shelly Beach on Easter Sunday.

A morning stroll with her dogs turned into a lifesaving mission when Chadwick sprang into action to rescue the father and son caught in dangerous surf.

Chadwick, recently returned from New Zealand where she works as a landscaper, heard people screaming for help.

She didn’t hesitate before running into the surf.

Chadwick is no stranger to the water; she is a lifelong member of the surf lifesaving community and granddaughter of Colin Laing, a respected figure at North Entrance Surf Life Saving Club.

Witnesses said that if there had been even a moment’s hesitation, the outcome could have been tragically different.

“She didn’t think twice,” one onlooker said.

“Had she waited even a few more seconds, this could be a very different news story.”

Chadwick said when she realised two people were caught in a strong rip – a young boy and a man further out, both clearly in distress – she quickly passed her dogs to a friend and ran to the shore.

“Bystanders were standing still in shock screaming; I didn’t think twice and entered the water fully clothed with my phone in my pocket,” she said.

“I had no choice but to grab a nearby stranger’s boogie board but decided to swim out without it to get there faster.

“I reached the boy first, who looked to be around nine years old.

“I made the quick call to save the boy first.

“I was able to guide him back toward the shore, where someone was waiting to take him in so I could turn around and swim back out for the man.

“By the time I got to him, he had been pulled further out and was unresponsive, facedown and briefly submerged.

“I managed to get him onto my shoulder and, after striking his upper back three times, he vomited water and began breathing again.

“With the help of another man on a kneeboard, we got him safely back to shore.

“Once on the sand, we placed him into the recovery position, where he vomited smaller amounts of water.”

Lifeguards rushed to assist once they were back on the beach, and paramedics quickly took over medical care.

A second man, suspected to be the boy’s brother-in-law, who had briefly entered the water to help, also needed help after swallowing water and was placed into the recovery position as a precaution, allowing him to cough up any water if needed.

“It was an awful situation and so sad to see the young boy scream for his father as he was swept away,” Chadwick said.

“Turning my back on the dad was such a hard moment but getting back to him (in time) was rewarding.

“I’m incredibly thankful both people survived.

“I’m relieved I got to them when I did, and grateful for the team of people on the beach who helped bring them safely to shore and continued to support until emergency services took over.”

The Sydney family members were holidaying on the Central Coast when the near tragedy occurred and have since been in touch with Chadwick.

“The father has thanked me and said we will catch up next month for a coffee where he wants to thank me properly,” she said.

“They are a lovely little family and I’m so glad they’re okay; the family would have been devastated if they lost their father and son.

“It’s very rewarding and feels good to have been raised by such a supportive family and one that is so strong in surf lifesaving.”

As for calls for her to be formally recognised for her bravery, Chadwick said it was “nice” the community was showing its support.

“This community cares so much about their community members, it’s such a good community to be part of,” she said.

Denice Barnes