With perfect weather over the Easter long weekend, heading to the coast was an opportunity not to be missed for those who chose to stay in Perth. For one family though, the perfect weekend almost ended in tragedy, as a father and son were caught in a rip, south of Trigg Beach.
The duo fell victim to one of the biggest hazards on the coast but were rescued by a Trigg Island SLSC member who happened to be at the right place at the right time. Trigg Masters member Mark Broads was enjoying the surf when he spotted the 2 struggling and very quickly he lept into action once he identified the situation.

Affectionately known as Broady, Mark sprinted 200 metres up the beach, to the southern flag to alert patrolling members and to grab a tube, before running back to the water to initiate the rescue. Trigg Island Patrols quickly attended the scene, with the ATV rushing down the beach, and a jet ski deployed.
Unfortunately, shortly after the jetski was launched and as it approached the patients, it suffered a malfunction right in the break, meaning driver (and patrol captain) Mark Armstrong had to think quickly and ditch the vessel in an attempt to ensure there was no further endangerment of life.
As members swam the rescued duo in with tubes, Mark A was able to reach the jetski and “surf” it back to shore.
Both patients were rescued and brought onto shore, where they were assessed by patrolling members before St. John Paramedics arrived and took over the care of the patients.

Thanks to the quick thinking of members, and teamwork of the patrol on the day, a tragedy was avoided.
We’d like to thank and acknowledge all of those who were involved and Mark Broady, who demonstrated that being a lifesaver can happen anywhere, at any time, and the skill sets learned are the difference between life and death.

We can confirm that whilst shaken up, both father and son are ok, and are on the road to recovery