Bunbury Police recognise and thank members of the community, including local emergency responders, who assisted with the response to an emergency situation involving two girls who were swept out to see near the Casuarina Boat Ramp in Bunbury on Sunday 19 April 2020.
About 10:45am Police were alerted to the unfolding situation – two young girls swept out to sea approximately 100m north of the Casuarina Boat Ramp on Casuarina Drive, Bunbury. The two girls, aged 11 and 12, were at the beach with the father of one of the girls. They entered the water and shortly after they called out for help. The father could see they were in distress and appeared to be caught in a rip, which could push them further out to sea or into nearby rocks. The father entered the water to rescue them.
Another person who was at the beach also entered the water to provide assistance, however before he could reach them the father had managed to reach the girls. With no other option available to him the father swam the girls across to the rocks and assisted one of them out of the water while he carried the second girl out onto the rocks.
Several police were sent to the scene under emergency conditions and upon arrival they gained access to the Bunbury Port Authority area and climbed across rocks and ran approximately 500m to reach the group. The officers climbed up the rocks and assisted with carrying the girls down to safety.
St John Ambulance attended the scene and provided first aid to the girls and checked on their father. Both girls receive multiple cuts and bruises and attended hospital for x-rays.
Senior Sergeant Andy CARSON, Officer in Charge of Bunbury Police Station, said this incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that can be experienced when entering the water.
"In this instance both girls were extremely lucky the father of one of them was able to reach them and get them to the rocks. While the rocks posed an increased risk of injury, it was his only option and he did an outstanding job to rescue both girls from the water.
"It was pleasing to see so many people rush to provide assistance to the group and our police officers. While both girls were injured, the situation could have ended much worse and I urge anyone who is going swimming or undertaking other marine activities to take extra care."
