Fingal hero honoured

Rip safety doco tells Ryan’s tale

JOSH Martin wants as many people as possible to know just how brave his brother was.

Thanks to a first-time actor in a first-rate documentary, his wish is set to come true.

“I’m really appreciative of the lengths he went to show what Ryan did,” Martin said of Ash Witty, the Kirra surfer who plays his late brother in Rip Current Heroes, a new documentary that recreates the Fingal Head tragedy that shattered countless lives on Good Friday last year.

“Having watched the documentary, I can see what he physically put into the role. He had a real commitment to it.”

Written, directed and produced by Gold Coaster Jason Markland and set to air across multiple National Geographic platforms, Rip Current Heroes combines science and storytelling to educate beachgoers about how to spot rips – and what to do if caught in them.

It is also a tribute to the bravery of Ryan Martin, the 30-year-old who drowned while saving the life of sevenyear-old Rhianna Milabo.

“Knowing what Ryan did that day is surreal,” said Witty, who was part of a brutal six-hour film shoot to capture the drama of a rescue that involved several people.

“We were in a really safe environment but after several takes I was absolutely gassed. As a surfer, you can feel pretty small out there but to be in that scenario was full-on.”

Markland added: “I made a promise to Josh that we would handle Ryan’s story really delicately and with great respect and I think we’ve achieved that.

“There were plenty of opportunities for Ryan to leave Rhianna but he didn’t. He made that sacrifice.”

As well as airing on National Geographic from December 20, Rip Current Heroes and associated study guides will be available free to Australian schools from next year.

More than 200 people are expected to attend a premiere at the Arts Centre Gold Coast tonight – including Josh.

“It was difficult to watch (a preview screening) but I wanted to understand what Ryan went through,” he said.

“To see it recreated just blew me away. It’s incredible what he did.

“I’m just glad it shows how brave he was and if the science behind rips is also saving lives, that’s what Ryan would want as well.”

I MADE A PROMISE TO JOSH THAT WE WOULD HANDLE RYAN’S STORY ... WITH GREAT RESPECT. DOCUMENTARY MAKER JASON MARKLAND