A potential tragedy at City Beach was averted earlier this month thanks to the brave and swift actions of Ethan Lewins, an additional on-duty Surf Life Saving WA lifeguard contracted by the Town of Cambridge.
The incident occurred on 12 July when three young children were playing at the water’s edge. Two of them ventured away from the shore and were suddenly caught in a strong wave near City Beach Groyne.
From his lifeguard tower position, Ethan spotted the unfolding situation and immediately sprang into action.
“The rip was so strong that day that by the time I got down to the water’s edge, the kids had already been dragged past the groyne a good 50 metres or so,” Ethan said.
Ethan reached the distressed boys as quickly as possible. Battling against the powerful waves, he skilfully located them, calming the boys while successfully securing them with the rescue tube before towing the boys safely back to shore to their relieved parents.
The Town of Cambridge’s contracted lifeguard patrols, provided by Surf Life Saving WA, operate year-round with a combination of roving and fixed patrols, with extra lifeguards at the City Beach swimming area during school holidays and on weekends throughout the warmer months.
Mayor Keri Shannon praised Ethan’s courageous actions and quick judgment, acknowledging the critical role lifeguards play in ensuring the safety of beachgoers in the Town of Cambridge.
“This rescue illustrates the skills of our Surf Lifesavers and the value of investing ratepayer funds into year-round patrols at City Beach and Floreat Beach,” Mayor Shannon said.
“We know that during school holidays, and even in the winter months, people enjoy these fabulous locations. We want to ensure our Town’s beaches are safe and that our community has confidence that help is at hand should they need it.”
Ethan humbly attributed his life-saving abilities to his comprehensive lifeguard training, stating it was “what I was trained to do”.
“After I brought them back to shore, I sat down with them and gave them some advice on what things to look out for next time at the beach. Hopefully, their next visit won’t be quite so eventful.”
The Town of Cambridge and Surf Life Saving WA continue to prioritise beach safety, providing highly trained and vigilant lifeguard services to locals and visitors alike. Their commitment to training and preparedness ensures that brave individuals like Ethan can act decisively in critical moments to keep our beaches safe.
A further rescue at City Beach was carried out by lifeguard Thomas Scott on 24 July, who went to the aid of an elderly gentleman caught in a rip.
For more information on beach safety and lifeguard services provided by the Town of Cambridge and Surf Life Saving WA, visit: www.mybeach.com.au
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