Waves at Vic Bay trap teen and dad
A tragedy was averted at Victoria Bay on Sunday morning when massive waves trapped a teenager (16) and his dad between the surf and the sea. The two (names withheld on request) were brought to safety through the combined efforts of surfer Gavin Wilson, the NSRI and onlookers. The boy got into trouble when the leash of his bodyboard snapped. His dad put on flippers and tried to help him. "They were both very strong swimmers and they swam with the right gear, but they were in a spot at the bay where you can easily get caught," said Wilson. "The backwash doesn't let you go in [to the shore] and the waves keep on crashing on you. When you try to catch the foam it just rolls you."
He said local surfers are well aware of the danger that the specific area poses.
The height of the waves increased from three to four meters within an hour. Wilson tried four times to enter the water, but couldn't get through, until a friend directed him from a lookout point. He paddled out to the duo who had to swim further out to sea to a calm spot. "We had a great time together in the water and we kept calm," said Wilson.
An hour later the two were picked up by the NSRI Wilderness craft Clemengold Rescuer and brought ashore at Wilderness beach. Wilson surfed out to Vic Bay beach. Wilson highly commended the NSRI for their amazing work.
"They called everyone together at the end of the walkway [on the rocks at Land's End] and asked them to signal to the father and son to swim deeper into the ocean, away from the shore," he said. "Never ever think it is a waste to call them for help. They are amazing."
The height of the waves increased from three to four meters within an hour.