A former Noosa Heads lifesaver has been commended for brave conduct for his actions during the rescue of a woman from rough surf at Peregian Beach.
Marcoola resident Jack Mohr, 20, said he felt honoured after being recognised through the Australian Bravery Decorations.
Then aged 16 years, Jack and a friend, both off-duty surf lifesavers, were walking along Peregian Beach when they saw a woman struggling in difficult surf conditions about 100 metres from shore.
At about 4.30pm on 18 February 2018, another person had entered the water in attempt to reach the woman but the conditions forced him back.
While his friend alerted emergency services, Jack swam into the hazardous surf to reach the woman, who was caught in a strong rip.
When he reached the distressed woman, she was having difficulty keeping afloat and was being swamped by large waves.
“I dragged her across and out of the rip and then back on to the sand bank,“ Jack said.
“At the time I was doing a lot of training with Noosa Heads Surf Club, so I was doing four sessions a week in the pool and I think about six in the surf, so I was pretty confident in the water.
“I went on to become a lifeguard for a little while there afterwards as well.“
Jack said he felt appreciative of the recognition.
“I think it’s also a recognition of everyone else who contributed to my training at the time and gave me the skills to be able to do that,“ he said.
