REMEMBER WHEN

GOLD COAST BULLETIN Friday March 18, 2005

SACHIE Mutsuura knew little English, but even through the dumping surf she clearly understood the drowning cry for help.

The 35-year-old Japanese holiday-maker was riding the early-morning swell with her boyfriend Chris Third at Broadbeach when she heard the desperate plea.

A 65-year-old Sydneysider was struggling to keep his head above water and was rapidly being sucked out by the tide and further into the strong rip.

Sachie, an experienced surfer of 15 years, knew that she had to act quickly if the man were to survive and followed the sound of his cry.

“My heart was pumping very fast,’’ said Sachie.

“I knew I had to help him. “He was screaming ‘help, help’ very loudly,’’ she said.

“It was hard to see him. “He wasn’t waving for help.’’ She immediately paddled over to the man.

Another swimmer, a man in his 30s, also paddled to the victim to assist.

Sachie gave the pair her boogie board so they could stay above the water.

“It all happened so quickly,” she said.

Chris, also an experienced surfer, said Sachie swam on her own while the two men tried to get to shore.

After 10 minutes of trying they were further out than before, so Sachie signalled for help. Off-duty lifesavers, jogging in the shallows before the Aussie titles kicked off, saw the commotion in the water and swam out to help the swimmer in distress.

With the help of Sachie’s humble boogie board, they dragged the man to the beach.