A 12-year-old nipper been praised for his bravery after saving a stricken woman caught in a rip current at Mooloolaba.
Ari Hamill was warming up for his events at the Queensland Youth Surf Life Saving State Championships on Saturday when he heard someone was in trouble.
His dad Zayne started swimming out to her but Ari, with his board, quickly jumped into action and paddled to her.
He offered her his board and helped her to shore.
“I didn’t see her get in trouble but I was just finishing up my board session that my dad was coaching me on,” he said via a Surf Life Saving Queensland media release.
“Somebody came over and said there was a lady in trouble, so my dad ran over and swam out and I ran over and paddled out.
See the gallery: Nippers race for state titles
“I gave her my board so that she could rest on it and I helped her in.”
He said the woman was caught out by the current.
“It happened near all the rocks and she was being swept off her feet and sucked out to sea,” Ari said.
Ari, who is a member of Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, has been involved in nippers for five years.
He said “it felt good” to be able to help the woman.
Surf Life Saving Queensland general manager Kurt Wilson praised Ari for his courage.
“Our nipper program is all about producing tomorrow’s surf lifesavers and young Ari is a great example of what the program is designed to do and that is to teach young people vital surf safety skills,” he said.
“The lady was lucky Ari was there to help, otherwise the outcome could have been very different.”
He said the future of the state’s surf patrols was in good hands.
“We have over 12,800 nippers across Queensland, with 1500 competing at our youth championships, all of whom are equipped with surf safety skills.”
“I must commend Ari and his dad Zayne for their quick thinking yesterday … his lifesaving journey has only just begun.”
The Queensland Surf Life Saving Youth Championships were held at Mooloolaba from February 16 to February 19.
The seniors and masters will be in action this weekend.
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