Peter Crane of Toowoon Bay is one of 48 people to have their courageous acts recognised with an Australian Bravery Decoration from Governor General David Hurley.
Australian Bravery Decorations recognise acts of bravery where people selflessly put themselves in jeopardy to protect the lives or property of others.
“The individuals being recognised today deserve to be celebrated by our entire nation,” the Governor General said when announcing the honours on Wednesday, August 18.
“In a dangerous situation each recipient was brave, selfless and put their own safety at risk to help someone else,” he said.
“Each of today’s recipients found themselves in a dangerous situation … and although each comes from a different background and circumstance, there is a common characteristic that speaks to who they are as individuals and to the very best of our community.
“They are inspirational and I thank them for their bravery and congratulate them for the recognition they are receiving today,” the Governor General said.
Peter Crane of Toowoon Bay received the Commendation for Brave Conduct when he and two others rescued a man from rough surf at Byron Bay on March 11, 2015.
Alexander Watkiss of Warners Bay on Lake Macquarie and Senior Constable Jonathan Cartmill also received a Commendation for Brave Conduct in relation to the incident.
On that afternoon, a swimmer got into difficulties in strong surf conditions and signalled for help.
The sky had become dark and it started to rain.
People on the beach noticed that the man was in difficulty and was now about 130m from shore.
Crane and Watkiss found a surfboard and boogie board and went into the choppy water, making their way out beyond the rough surf zone to where the swimmer was.
The swimmer, who was now having cramps in both legs, was able to grab on to one of the boards while Senior Constable Cartmill was swimming out to the group.
He assisted the swimmer on to the surfboard and Crane and Watkiss shared the boogie board and they all began making their way back to shore through the rough swell.
A lifesaver on a jetski arrived and took the fatigued swimmer back to shore.
He then made two trips out to bring in the police officer and Watkiss while Crane paddled back to shore on the boogie board.
Sue Murray