WE CAN BE HEROES
Off-duty surf lifesavers Amy Kenny and Hannah Keane who rescued two drowning men at Lorne have been nominated for a Pride of Australia award. You too can nominate a local hero.
A PAIR of off-duty surf life savers who rescued two drowning men at Lorne have been nominated for a Pride of Australia award.
Teenage friends Amy Kenny and Hannah Keane, who met at Nippers when they were 7, pulled the tourists from the surf in January.
They had only renewed their bronze medallion a few weeks before they were called on to act in the most testing circumstances.
Approached by a “panicked” woman as they were preparing to watch a movie with club mates about 8pm on a Saturday, they were alerted to an emergency unfolding about 60m offshore.
Hannah said the pair had not performed a real-life rescue and had only started to patrol under supervision. Still, they did not hesitate. “I only just turned 16, so when I am on duty there is always someone more experienced than me and I know if something happens there is always going to be someone who will go out before I will,” she said.
“I didn’t think I would get put in a position but . . . I didn’t even think about it, I just thought this man’s life was in danger.”
Amy, fully clothed, took to the water to help two inexperienced swimmers, in their 20s and 30s, who had found themselves in trouble, while Hannah called for assistance and followed her in soon after.
The first man was able to touch the ocean floor and was calmed down by the girls — getting himself to safety.
But his friend was in a bad way.
“He was actually in trouble. It looked like he was coming in and out consciousness. It was full on. I’d never seen anything like that before,” Amy said.
“It took a little bit (to get him to shore) because he was a bit bigger and it was pretty deep and we had no equipment because the beach was closed,” Hannah said.
Once ashore, the girls placed him in the recovery position until paramedics took over, transporting the men to Geelong Hospital.
The pair said they lost sleep over what might have been but got through it with the support of each other.
“I would do it again any day. If anyone can do anything to help someone in trouble they should,” Amy said.
Lorne police Leading Senior Constable Michael Atkinson, who arrived on scene after the rescue, said the nomination was fitting for the girls’ bravery and quick thinking.
“These girls didn’t bat an eye, they were straight in. Everyone else was still processing it. If they hadn’t have gone out there so quickly, there might have been a different outcome,” Sen-Constable Atkinson said.
Lorne Surf Life Saving Club president Paul McMaster said he had witnessed the girls’ progress and had patrolled with them on the day of the incident.
“For them to react the way that they did is a credit to them and to the training provided,” Mr McMaster said.
“It is very pleasing, you don’t know how you will react until you’re in that situation. As a club and a population we should be proud of acts that are selfless and help others.”
News Corp Australia’s Pride of Australia Medal celebrates the remarkable contribution and achievements of the community. Entries are now open. If someone has inspired you through their dedication, courage or charity contact journo@ geelongadvertiser.com.au