A lifeguard recounts a harrowing experience where he saved a young boy from drowning at a beach in Australia. The boy, Tommy, was struggling to stay afloat in the water and was in danger of being smashed against the rocks. The lifeguard quickly sprang into action, grabbing his rescue board and rushing to Tommy's aid. He managed to reach the boy just in time, but not before getting hit in the groin with the board. After the rescue, the lifeguard reflected on the dangers of the ocean and the importance of being vigilant while on duty.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. A lifeguard rescued a young boy who was struggling to swim near rocks.
2. The boy's father was not paying attention to his son's situation.
3. The lifeguard used a rescue board to reach the boy.
4. The boy was tired and breathing heavily when rescued.
5. The lifeguard advised the boy to swim in a safer area, marked by flags.
6. The boy was part of a family on a one-month holiday from China.
7. The lifeguard expressed frustration that the boy's father was not watching his son.
8. The lifeguard has made many rescues like this, especially with young kids.
9. The lifeguard has a personal connection to the importance of rescuing children, having lost a son.
10. A freelance photographer, Fergus Woolridge, witnessed a rescue at Bronte Beach.
11. A little girl, Noah Keener, was rescued after being found unresponsive in the water.
12. The girl's father was also at risk of drowning.
13. The girl was given CPR and was eventually revived.
14. The girl's family is from Korea and was on holiday.
15. The father was advised to seek medical attention after being in the water.
16. The girl spent two days in intensive care at Sydney Children's Hospital.
17. A lifeguard emphasized the importance of watching children near water, as it only takes seconds for something to go wrong.