Well I almost had my Christmas day wrecked ..but thank god I didn't .
i was paddling along minding my own business trying to wear off the Christmas pudding and this lady was balling out to me ,balling her eyes out on the beach ..so I paddled over to her and she was in a mess saying her son was out near the reef snorkelling and hadn't returned ..her other son and family where running around on the beach ,full on stressing out .so I quickly headed out ,a 5 foot swell was smashing on the reef out where she said he was .after a few runs up and down I never saw any head or snorkel ..so I thought sheet ,I'll now be looking for a sinking body ..I was stressing now.
a few more runs up and down ..nothing ...
I then decided to head in and get a leg rope .to head out behind the break ..which I stupidly had just taken off .to give a friend a go .
when I paddled back in ..the mother came running up to me ..with a really happy greatful face ..phew ..he had ,made it back to the beach a k down the beach ....
It was late in the afternoon ..so I guess ..us SUPERS ..can be of some use as a rescue craft ..after all ..

the lady saw me the next day and kindly handed me a carton of beer ..there was no need ..but he and she had luck on their side ..
tardy

Well done Tardy, great to help out when people are in need.

Hope you enjoy the carton.

ET.

This may come across as a bit sh!tty and well done Tardy for offering to help out, but if you decide to make a rescue attempt - make sure you are prepared, ie; both skill and mentally.

Those that have recovered a deceased body should know where I'm coming from as it's no heroic feat and can affect you for the rest of your life. I've been fortunate to have been involved in many rescue attempts but with the support of a rescue organisation. People that have done the same but without the same support deserve much respect.

Thanks guys ..
I'm glad it was a happy ending ..but you never know what's around the corner .It happened so quick and without notice ..
when people ask for help ..what else do you do.?but yes I know what ya mean sail hack ...
I was just as relieved as the lady on the beach ..

Select to expand quote

Tardy said..
Thanks guys ..
I'm glad it was a happy ending ..but you never know what's around the corner .It happened so quick and without notice ..
when people ask for help ..what else do you do.?but yes I know what ya mean sail hack ...
I was just as relieved as the lady on the beach ..

It's often a spur of the moment thing, and your right, if someone is in distress it's our instinct to help out. The only thing I would say to anyone that has anything to do with water would be learn CPR and be prepared for anything.

Good on you Tardy and I am so glad he was ok, too many people these days walk on by and don't ask what's wrong!!!

Good on you Tardy
You never know, but you could have been a life saver a life saver.
Good on ya for having ago
Would have done the same in that situation

If you see someone in trouble then you help, no point waiting. I saw a kid going out in the rip years ago besides South Curly pool, he was moving as its a well known bad spot.
Simply paddled over to him and got him to grab the nose of my board. Back across the rip and on the way in (all good). The clubbie turned up and proceeded to tell me to leave the rescue to the pro's. After a quick mouthful to princess I went in.
You did the right thing.

Select to expand quote

ka43 said..
If you see someone in trouble then you help, no point waiting. I saw a kid going out in the rip years ago besides South Curly pool, he was moving as its a well known bad spot.
Simply paddled over to him and got him to grab the nose of my board. Back across the rip and on the way in (all good). The clubbie turned up and proceeded to tell me to leave the rescue to the pro's. After a quick mouthful to princess I went in.
You did the right thing.

He sounded like a real turkey...but well done ..I think with small lungs every second counts ..
with all the SUP S around now ..we will possible save or have saved lives ...in the near future .

..SUP on.

I think the problem is that the 'pros' are conditioned to treat all untrained rescuers as possible casualties. Part of our training is to recognise the various types of 'rescuer' and deal with them based on what we can only assume at a glance. 1st on scene and bystanders are treated as though they have no training, there is no category for 'good samaritan that is a water-user - therefore must have some practical rescue knowledge', although that makes up a big part of the water users.

So many people try to help and become victims themselves, so don't take offense at a rescuer giving advice...unless he's being a d!ck about it.