The hard truth is that last week could have ended in tragedy. Thanks to the heroic efforts of our professional lifeguards and the teams supporting them, we dodged a bullet. I’m writing this article to highlight the incredible rescues, name the heroes involved, and remind our community how fortunate we are to have such highly skilled and selfless professionals keeping our beaches safe.
One message was loud and clear when I spoke with the rescuers—it was a team effort. They didn’t think about the risks; they just acted. But each of them agreed: last week could have been devastating. Those rescued were lucky; they had angels looking over them in the form of our finest watermen and women.
This article also highlights the vital role our career lifeguards play in keeping our beaches safe. They know these waters better than anyone, navigating conditions and challenges most of us can’t imagine. These highly skilled and competent individuals don’t just patrol—they face life-or-death emergencies like resuscitations, heart attacks, and ocean rescues. During Cyclone Alfred, their extraordinary skills and unmatched knowledge of the sea were tested to their limits. Despite their incredible feats, they remain humble, often working under the radar. The lifeguards and rescuers do not seek recognition, yet their actions this past week deserve acknowledgment and recognition.
Cyclone Alfred brought treacherous surf, relentless rips, and dangerous conditions. Here are the extraordinary stories of that week:
– Saving Up to 100 Lives in Deadly Surf (March 2) Lifeguards Thomas Cervi, Jake McKellar, Parish Watts, and Timmy Mulder, with a combined 60 years of experience, performed one of the most gruelling rescue operations ever witnessed. From 11am to 6pm, these professionals fought relentless 4-metre waves, 10-wave sets, and powerful E/NE swells to pull up to 100 surfers from deadly rips. They worked tirelessly to ensure every individual safely returned to shore. Without their heroics, it’s estimated that at least 10 lives would have been lost that day. Their endurance, skill, and determination turned a potential disaster into a miracle.
– A Heroic Rescue of Teenage Swimmers (March 7) Off-duty lifeguards Max Pettigrove and Thomas Cervi answered an urgent call at Sunshine Beach, supported by Rowan Simpson (Noosa Lifeguard Supervisor), Timmy Mulder, Guy Ely, and Emergency Response Group (ERG) volunteer lifesavers John Reeves, Russell Quinn, David James, and Joe Cirello. Critical assistance came from the Police, QAS, people on the headland, and Lifeflight Rescue 511. Together, they executed a rescue under harrowing conditions.
Two teenage boys had been swept 400 meters out to sea from Sunshine Beach to Hell’s Gate. The rescuers achieved the nearly impossible in the fading light and amidst towering waves. One boy managed to swim back to Alexandria Bay thanks to having fins, while the other was stranded far out to sea. Guided by those on the headland, Max Pettigrove and Thomas Cervi navigated the treacherous waters on a jet ski and brought the boy safely back to shore. This heroic rescue is a testament to the extraordinary skills, bravery, and teamwork of everyone involved.
– Rescuing Three Stranded at Sea (March ) When a jet ski carrying three passengers broke down far from Noosa North Shore, lifeguards Timmy Mulder, Heidi Price, and Ned Westera, along with the Noosa Coastguards, acted swiftly despite the cyclonic waters. Timmy and Heidi ferried two passengers to safety on their jet ski, while the Coastguards rescued the third. Timmy and Ned went back out to sea and remained on standby until the Coastguard arrived, ensuring a coordinated and safe rescue.
Their actions were crucial in saving the lives of those stranded, with all rescuers risking their safety in the treacherous conditions. Special recognition goes to the Noosa Coastguards, whose specialized jet boat, capable of navigating hazardous bars, played a vital role in this lifesaving mission.
These rescues were not routine—they were acts of true bravery. Professional lifeguards Max Pettigrove, Thomas Cervi, Timmy Mulder, Jake McKellar, Heidi Price, Ned Westera, Parish Watts, Rowan Simpson, Guy Ely, ERG Volunteer lifesavers John Reeves, Russell Quinn, David James, Joe Cirello, and the Noosa Coastguards risked their lives to save strangers. Their actions define the essence of courage—not the absence of fear, but the judgment that something else, or someone else, is more important than fear.
Thank you for your sacrifice and unwavering commitment. You are the reason so many people made it home safely last week. Your courage and bravery deserve our deepest respect and gratitude.
