50 years ago

Quick thinking on the part of a nineyear-old Perth schoolboy saved his “best pal” from drowning in the fast-flowing waters of the River Tay. Gavin Sidley and his pal, Wayne Stirling, also nine, both of Perth, were playing in the area known as Stanners Island when they decided to swim across the river to the opposite side, about 100m away. Gavin had already reached the other side when he noticed Wayne “splashing about”. He swam to his pal’s aid and, despite not being able to properly turn him onto his back “like the lifesavers do” he still managed to get him safely ashore.