A teenager from Karridale has thankfully been rescued by a Recfishwest angel ring after being swept out to sea at Cosy Corner, near Hamelin Bay.
The recent rescue unfolded when 13-year-old Max found himself caught in a powerful rip current while swimming during a family outing, which quickly carried him out to sea.
Thanks to a quick-thinking member of the community who sprang into action by grabbing an angel ring, installed as part of Recfishwest’s statewide angel ring program, he hurled it out to Max.
The float managed to keep him above water for more than two hours.
Meanwhile, Max’s 10-year-old younger sister, Willow, ran to the carpark to raise the alarm.
Her actions spurred a swift response from the local community and authorities, which led to two local fishers – nicknamed Kim and Whippy – launching their boat and assisting Max’s rescue.
During this time, a local off-duty policeman – Sergeant Simon Harrison – bravely swam nearly a kilometre offshore to Max and assisted in helping him on to their boat.
The angel ring used in Max’s rescue is one of 86 devices installed by Recfishwest and local authorities around Western Australia, primarily near popular fishing spots (click here to see a full list of our angel ring locations).
These angel rings are critical for emergencies like this, offering buoyancy for those in the water and allowing time for professional rescue efforts to respond.
Speaking with Recfishwest, Max’s mother, Jodie Herbert, was deeply thankful for the angel ring and the brave locals for helping save her son’s life.
“That current was incredibly strong and nothing was stopping it. Those angel rings are amazing – it saved Max’s life,” said Jodi.
“I can’t thank everyone involved with this rescue enough. Sgt Simon Harrison, Julian who grabbed the angel ring, and local fishers Kim and Whippy who launched their boat within five minutes of hearing Max was in trouble. They’re all heroes.”
Recfishwest Fish and Survive safe fishing program coordinator Levi De Boni said, “We’re pleased one of our program’s angel rings has once again helped save someone’s life.
“We work closely with coastal communities, land managers, local shires and DBCA to install these angel rings and this is why. It was also great to see the response from recreational fishers in this instance – often the eyes and ears out on the water – responding and coming to the rescue of this young man. As fishers we always look out for each other and other water-users.”
Calls mount for improved coastal reception
Sgt. Harrison praised the angel rings and locals who helped, while calling for mobile phone reception improvements to be made in the area.
Many regional coastal WA towns have patchy or no reception at all, making it difficult to contact emergency services.
Sgt Harrison was only notified of the emergency via text, before rushing to the area and running across rock cliffs before spotting Max in the water.
Watch a video of Sgt. Harrison’s rescue here.
“That angel ring 100% saved Max’s life, but the poor reception down here is a big issue. Communications is always a part of our debrief after incidents like this, and the reception needs to be improved so people can easily call triple zero,” said Sgt. Harrison.
“A big thanks to the locals who assisted with Max’s rescue, including Julian who threw the angel ring and to local fishers Kim and Whippy who have been involved with more than five rescues here over the past 34 years. Max couldn’t have asked for a better rescue team.”
