What began as a family stroll along Nine Mile Beach, Tuncurry one summer's afternoon has ended with a bravery award.
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Earlier this week, Tuesday, August 13 Aimee Carlin was saluted for saving the life of a struggling swimmer receiving a Royal Life Saving NSW commendation award.
The University of Sydney sport and exercise science student travelled from her Emu Plains home to Government House, Sydney where she was presented with the recognition by NSW Governor and Royal Life Saving NSW patron, Margaret Beazley.
"It was pretty special; everybody is pretty proud of me," Aimee said.
Amiee joined what was described as an incredible array of highly courageous people from around the State who have performed amazing acts of bravery for the ceremony.
Royal Life Saving NSW CEO, Michael Ilinsky said the event was a way of thanking what he described as incredible individuals who have saved a life and made a massive difference to somebody else.
We stopped and sang the praises of heroes who haven't looked for the spotlight but well and truly deserve to have the spotlight shone on them, Mr Ilinsky said.
"We never cease to be amazed at just how courageous members of the public can be.
"These special commendation awards are given to people who have displayed outstanding initiative, expertise and empathy towards others.
"They are given to people who have applied critical lifesaving skills in emergency situations.
"Some of these people have risked their own life to carry out an act of bravery.
"Simply put, these people are deeply inspiring.
"The very least we can do is salute them and thank them for their enormous bravery.
"Quite often people are helping someone they do not even know - they are carrying out a totally selfless act."
A part-time learn-to-swim instructor at Nepean Aquatic Centre, Penrith, 20-year-old Aimee was able to draw on her fitness to help save the drowning man on the morning of January 7, 2018.
She regularly competes in triathlon events in Sydney and Forster and trains with a swim squad.
Aimee was walking her dog when she saw a man who had become caught in a rip, holding up his hand and yelling "somebody help me".
With assistance from Black Head Surf Life Saving Club member, Lucas Kloosterhofon, she reached the sturggling man, who was going under the water.
Aimee managed to get him on to the Lucas' surfboard and back to shore where she wrapped him in clothes and towels and monitored him until emergency services arrived.
She has been visiting the Great Lakes since she was a baby, staying for up to three weeks every summer in the family's Forster holiday home.
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Despite being scared Aimee knew she had to help him and was glad she was able to apply her swimming and safety training to help.
Aimee's nomination for the award was anonymous.
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Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
