Ayden awarded for saving his brother’s life
Photo: Elyse Wurm
NOT all life savers don yellow and red caps while hanging out at the beach.
One can be found in a Warwick backyard playing tiggie with the younger brother he rescued.
It’s been just over a year since Ayden Driscoll jumped into a billabong to save his brother Ashah from drowning.
Now he’s earned recognition as a bona fide life saver, as he’s due to receive a certificate of commendation from The Royal Life Saving Society Australia for his brave feat.
Chairman of the honours committee Jim McClelland reached out to the Driscoll family to encourage them to nominate Ayden for an award.
Ayden and Ashah had been on a family holiday at Tweed Heads for Christmas when tragedy almost struck.
Ashah, who was three at the time, paddled out into a billabong on his boogie board and suddenly found himself struggling to stay above water.
Ayden was on the shore and heard his name being screamed and jumped into the water to save his brother.
Despite not being able to touch the bottom of the billabong and feeling like he was drowning himself, Ayden got them both safely to shore.
This week Ayden, now 12, said he was surprised when he heard the news about the award, staying humble about his amazing achievement.
“Anyone could save someone’s life. I didn’t expect it. Many people have saved lives.Now that I’ve saved his life I’m proud of it,” he said.
Ayden will receive his award at the Royal Life Saving Society Queensland 2019 Black Tie Ball on April 6.