Lifeguard Mick Body has received the highest award in his profession for his rescue of an 8-year-old girl at Newcastle Canoe Pool.
The Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard Association (APOLA) Meritorious Service Award recognises, celebrates and rewards lifeguards for their commitment to professional ocean lifeguarding.
Mick Body, who has worked as a professional lifeguard for almost 20 years, received the award after saving an 8-year-old girl who had been swept out of Newcastle Canoe Pool onto the rocks and into the 14-foot swell.
Body showed courage, experience and professionalism as he moved quickly along the rocks, dived into the surf and rescued the young girl who had struggled to stay above the water.
Accompanied by another lifeguard, Luke Kelly, they navigated the dangerous surf conditions and brought the young girl back to shore and into the arms of her distraught family.
Body said he was honoured to receive the award and to be recognised for doing a job that he loved and was passionate about.
“It was a surprise, but definitely an honour to be recognised with this award,” Body said.
“During large swells, waves engulf the Canoe Pool and then bounce off the side of the ocean baths, creating a strong side wash which catches people by surprise.
“I’m pleased our rescue that day avoided an almost certain drowning.
“As lifeguards, we have the best office in the world, every day is new and that is exciting.
“The beauty of working on the beach is that we are ambassadors for our city and meet people from all over who come here to enjoy themselves.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said lifeguards like Mick Body were invaluable to the community and often went beyond the call of duty to keep everyone safe.
“Without Mick’s bravery, advanced skills and knowledge of the beach, the outcome would have certainly been a tragic one,” Cr Nelmes said.
“I’m proud that this incredible effort has been acknowledged on a national stage and I thank all of our lifeguards for their daily acts of kindness, bravery and courage. “
Cr Nelmes said each surf season, Newcastle lifeguards saved 100 lives on average and performed more than 15,000 preventative actions.
“Lifeguards are extremely proactive when it comes to taking preventative measures,” Cr Nelmes said.
“This can include asking surfers to surf outside the flagged area to urging beachgoers to swim between the red and yellow flags instead of near dangerous rips.
“When prevention fails, it can often take just split seconds for swimmers to find trouble and the same time for lifeguards to act.”
APOLA has also recognised the City of Newcastle for continuing to deliver its Water Safety Education Program to local young people during COVID—a program run by lifeguards that teaches water safety, skills and preventative measures.
Targeting primary school students and working with the Multicultural Neighbourhood Centre and the University of Newcastle Language Centre, the face-to-face program has been running for 52 years.
During COVID, lifeguards virtually reached 14,000 primary students in Newcastle, ensuring that the community received vital information that may prevent drownings.
Information source: Media release, Jun 1, City of Newcastle