Pittwater Online News

Surf Lifesaving Australia’s Awards of Excellence 2023: SLSA Meritorious Award for Avalon Beach Rescue

SLSA MERITORIOUS AWARDS were given to four Avalon Beach Surf Lifesavers and two local big wave surfers on Saturday night, November 4 2023, in recognition of their combined rescue of a fellow ABSLSC Surf Lifesaver who was brought back to life by them after drowning.

Avalon Beach SLSC members Michael Stanley-Jones, Andrew Clark, Stuart Cooper, and Lucas Molloy, along with Blaze Roberts and local surfers and friends Stuart Cooper and Karl Attkins carried out the rescue of Surf Club Trainer Mark Head who suffered a freak accident in the surf at South Avalon on Friday September 16 2022.

September 16, 2022, started as a routine Friday at Avalon Beach, but it quickly transformed into an extraordinary day. Four highly experienced surf lifesavers, Mark Head, Mike Stanley-Jones (MSJ) Andrew Clark (Clarkie) and Gem Lehman, gathered at the surf club for their usual training session. Gem opted for a quick swim, while the others grabbed rescue boards and headed out to the waves.

Amidst the waves, an unexpected event unfolded. Commotion on the south headland and frantic car horns attracted their attention. At first they thought the noise was to warn them of a shark so they started to return to shore. As they did Mike saw a rescue board had washed up on the beach. Local surfer and former Avalon Lifeguard Stuart Cooper ( "Stretch"), ran down from the headland grabbed the board and started paddling out, and yelled there's a body out there.

Mike Stanley-Jones went back out. To his horror he discovered their mate Mark’s body floating under the water.

Mike initially tried to paddle Mark back to shore, but they were both thrown off the board by a sudden wave, which knocked them both off, losing the board.  Stretch got Mark onto his board but the conditions required the combined effort of Stretch, Karl Attkins and Mike paddling together against the South Avalon rip to get Mark to the beach. Clarkie had made his way to the clubhouse to get oxygen and a defibrillator, promptly returning to the beach for the administration of CPR and oxygen. 

Retrieval of Mark was made difficult and dangerous by large sets of waves, however, Mike, Stuart and Karl successfully rescued Mark from the water and brought him to shore where Andrew and an off-duty fireman were waiting to administer first aid with the rescue equipment. 

During this critical moment, Blaze Roberts, surf club member and local surfer, assisted the team with first aid and CPR, and the defibrillator was applied to Mark with additional support from an off-duty fire and rescue officer.

The group administered CPR, oxygen and a defibrillator whilst attempting to resuscitate Mark for over 30 minutes, waiting for an ambulance and Paramedics to arrive. 

Friday September 16, 2022. Photo: A J Guesdon

After 30 minutes of sustained CPR use on Mark, by them acting in teamwork, rotating positions, paramedics arrived, administered adrenaline, and attached an automatic compressions machine to him before transporting him to the hospital, where they later informed the team that Mark had regained a heartbeat.

Mark had not been breathing for over 40 minutes, and everyone had feared the worst. It was subsequently found that his lungs were 100% full of water.

Mark's journey to recovery has been remarkable. He spent four days in an induced coma, with his strength and resilience leading to a gradual recovery. He has no recollection of what caused the accident but collision of his head with the board or rocks has left him with significant injuries. Despite this his brain is functioning perfectly and he suffered no brain damage from being face down on the water for approximately 8 minutes and a further 40 minutes of CPR, with no sign of life.

From the citation:

The incident's successful resolution was a testament to well-trained rescuers, swift access to equipment, efficient paramedic response, and unwavering determination. It highlighted the significance of preparation, teamwork, and community support within the realm  of surf lifesaving.

In Mark's words:

"Last night, my 6 rescuers finally got the recognition they so richly deserve."

The combined efforts of trained surf lifesavers, and experienced local surfers all acting as a team is something for the Avalon Beach SLSC and the whole Avalon Beach community to be proud of.

Importantly, Mark does not want his accident to put anyone off enjoying the pleasures and health and wellbeing benefits of surfing, and joining a surf club.

Far from it, the incident shows the importance of learning what to do to help someone in trouble in the surf,  not to stop or give up on CPR despite the length of time, and to not give up on getting better afterward.

In the face of the most challenging of circumstances, these exceptional individuals demonstrated skill, resilience, and unwavering determination. Their teamwork and dedication displayed during this rescue saved Mark’s life and turned an ordinary day into an extraordinary one.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations for their well-deserved award. Their actions embody the very essence of our movement and we are grateful and immensely proud of their remarkable contribution to the preservation of life within our community.

Mark’s own fight for survival has been nothing short of remarkable and he is applying the same resolute determination towards his recovery, supported by his Dad, Bobby Head, Louise and Charles Lindop and his many friends who continue to support him every day with his recovery.

After four days in an induced coma, 13 days in ICU, 3.5 months at Royal North Shore, 6 months at Ryde Rehabilitation, 5 months at Ferguson Lodge and soon Mt Wilga Rehabilitation Hospital, we are over the moon that Mark will soon be returning to his beloved Avalon Beach. More on that closer to the time.

The SLSA Meritorious award is the highest honour awarded by Surf Life Saving Australia for bravery. These awards, to both individuals and groups, recognise acts of bravery by members who went above and beyond, putting their lives on the line to rescue people who found themselves in trouble.

Report by Roger Sayers OAM, Life Member of Avalon Beach SLSC

Talking With The Rescuers On Their Work That Afternoon, Friday September 16, 2022 - From Their Individual Perspectives

Stuart Cooper (Stretch); I was on the headland watching, around 3 o’clock in the afternoon – my son was coming down to have an after-school surf. I was watching surf club members have a surf and recognised Mike (Stanley-Jones) as I know his surf style. I then saw Mark Head catch a wave and then saw him fall off and the board went forward. I didn’t see what happened but did see the rescue board wash in to shore. I watched for a little longer and couldn’t work out where the surfer was who had been on the board. At first I thought he may have swum over to where the other guys were or come in via shark alley.

I looked away, towards North Avalon to se what was happening there and then looked back and saw the board just about in the shore-break with no one swimming towards it. I thought ‘that’s really odd’ and kept watching and saw a dark mass float towards the surface, which I thought at first was seaweed. Another 30 seconds passed and the mass rose to the top and I could see it was a body, face down. I looked around and there was no one around me then saw these guys still out the back – and they hadn’t seen it – so I ran down the from the headland to try and ;let these guys know that 50 metres away or so there was someone in the water. I knew it was a clubbie because the rescue board had come in.

As I ran down to the beach I heard whistling and calling and waving from the headland and saw these guys coming in on the wave. When they came in they thought it was a shark out there – I said ‘it’s not a shark, there’s a body out there’ and I think I added in a few expletives. 

Mike said ‘where?’, I replied, ‘out there to the right’ and we took off – I grabbed the rescue board that had come in to get out there. 

I got smashed by a set and Mike beat me out there to Mark. The worst thing for me was I knew it was a clubbie, Mike didn’t know it was a clubbie, let along his best mate, so when he got to him, he was about aboard length in front of me, I grabbed his leg and pulled him back so I’d get there first. Mark’s head rolled back and Mike said ‘It’s Mark - NO!’

Mike pulled him back and rolled him up onto his board and then this very large set came through, smashed Mike and Mark and we lost him. When he water settled back down I could see Mike was around 20 metres away.

Something then went beneath me and hit my feet – I knew what it was because it was big and didn’t’ feel good. I reached down and pulled Mark to the surface and tried to get him on my board. A wave came and we got smashed and knocked him off. I got him back on again, he got washed off – this happened around half a dozen times while I was by myself

Karl Attkins then paddled over and said ‘what do you want me to do?’ – I said ‘help me get him on the board’, I couldn’t get him on the board and keep him on. Karl was then able to help me get hm on the board - we then had two surfers on either side of him. I asked Karl to hold on to his wetsuit neck and hold on to the surfboard and said ‘Karl, whatever you do, don’t let go of him, no matter how smashed we get because if we lost him, he’s going to sink like a stone.’

Then lots and lots of sets hit us – I heard Mike yelling towards the beach, probably organising Clarkie and those guys – Karl and I just got pounded. The rip kept taking us out and even though we kept paddling towards the shore that south Avalon rip just kept taking us out. Because Mark wasn’t conscious, wasn’t able to hold on and help us, and because I wanted to keep his mouth out of the water, we had him face up for a reason, in case we could to mouth-to-mouth or cardiac, which wasn’t possible – I tried some cardiac compression from the water level, which I’d been taught as a Lifeguard, but it didn’t work. I hit him six or eight times and saw some foam coming out of his mouth but given his mouth was open the whole time, and every wave just kept going over us, he would have taken in more saltwater. 

When we saw we were getting further away from Clarkie and the others on the beach, we were physically still going backwards, we focused on just getting to the beach because we could see so much help waiting there.

More big sets hit us and we got washed, finally, towards the rocks. Those sets kept washing in to the shallower and shallower water. Finally a wave broke over our heads and I said ‘hang on, we’re up on the rocks’. As soon as we were up on the rocks everyone was there – Mike was there, Clarkie was there, I saw lots of people I knew and thought ‘thank God for that, thank God the troops are here’.

It was definitely one of the hardest rescues I’ve done in 20-30 years.

IN FULL HERE

North Narrabeen's Laura Enever Sets New World Record For Largest Wave Surfed Paddle-In (Female)

• Enever’s Record-Setting Ride Measured at 43.6 Feet (13.3 Meters)
• More Available at WorldSurfLeague.com/bigwave

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

The World Surf League (WSL) announces that Laura Enever (AUS) has set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the Largest wave surfed paddle-in (female). The WSL officially analysed, measured, and verified Enever’s 2023 record-breaking ride at 43.6 feet (13.3 meters) as part of the WSL Big Wave Record Chase, making it the biggest wave ever paddled into by a woman. 

Enever, who is 31 years old and from North Narrabeen, successfully surfed a wave measuring 43.6 feet (13.3 meters) from trough to crest at Outer Reef, the big-wave break on the North Shore of Oahu, on January 22, 2023. 

“I knew it was big when I paddled into it, and then when I took off, I looked down, and I knew it was definitely the biggest wave I've ever caught,” said Enever. “I knew it was the wave of my life, the whole way it all came together and the way I committed, backed myself, told myself to go, and trusted I could do it. The ride was such a breakthrough for me and a moment that will be special and monumental in my surf career. To get awarded this months later is really cool, I can't believe it.

“I would never be in this position if it wasn't for all the big wave surfers who have come before me and paved the way, especially the really brave, courageous females who have always inspired me and made me feel like I could get out there and give it a crack. So, thank you to all the amazing women. I'm just constantly in awe. Andrea Moller held this record before me, and it's an honor to hold that record and keep pushing big wave surfing. And I know that the next girls, the next generation of female big wave surfers, are going to do the same.”

Photo; WSL / Daniel Russo 

Enever’s World Record adds to an already stellar surfing career. She was the ISA Junior World Champion and Triple Crown Rookie of the Year in 2008, and World Junior Champion in 2009. In 2011, Enever qualified for the WSL Championship Tour, where she competed for seven years, consistently finishing in the Top 10. She has gone on to compete in WSL Big Wave events and push the limits of big wave surfing.

“Huge congratulations to Laura for this incredible achievement,” said Jessi Miley-Dyer, WSL Chief of Sport. “Laura is fearless, committed, and a real inspiration, and I’m so proud to celebrate her. These World Records really allow us to shine the spotlight on athletes like Laura who are pushing the boundaries of Big Wave surfing.”  

Enever was awarded the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ certificate in her hometown of Narrabeen in New South Wales, Australia, where she celebrated the accomplishment with her family and friends. 

“I've worked my whole life to be a professional surfer and to be on the World Tour,” continued Enever. “I was there, and I gave that up for this pull and urge to surf big waves. I was just thinking I just wanted to go do this for me, and to be here today and to have a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the biggest paddle, I can't believe it.”

Enever’s record bettered Andrea Moller’s previous record by just one foot, which was caught on January 16, 2016, at Pe’ahi, Maui. Moller, an internationally recognized waterwomen, pioneer of big wave surfing, and respected paramedic, held the record for seven years. She was the first woman to paddle into a wave at Pe’ahi, the first woman to catch a wave in the prestigious Eddie Aikau big wave contest, and an advocate for equality and progression in big wave surfing. 

Photo: WSL / Matt Dunbar

About the Measurement Process 

The WSL Science Team, led by Michal Pieszk, Senior Research and Development Engineer of the Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC), collaborated on the analysis of the largest waves ridden in the Paddle-In category during the 2022/23 WSL Big Wave Record Chase season. The team used a range of wave-measuring techniques using video footage, detailed information about the site, the location of the videographers and location of the wave, to determine the wave height 

Several frames from the video footage were extracted and geometrically corrected based on camera positions and angles. Using known objects such as jet skis and actual measurements of Enever’s body geometry, it was possible to calibrate the images for conversion from pixels to feet. The location of the trough and crest of the wave was determined from analysis of the video from two different angles.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com. 

Avalon Beach RSL + Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch Remembrance Day Commemorative Services 2023

Photos by Michael Mannington OAM, Community photography, and Brian Friend OAM

Sydney harbour was alight with red poppies at sunrise on Saturday morning November 11, as the sails of the Sydney Opera House projected the iconic image to mark the commencement of Remembrance Day.

Minister for Veterans, David Harris was joined at a Remembrance Day sunrise service by incoming RSL NSW President Mick Bainbridge, who recited the Ode before the Last Post rang out across the harbour in front of the poppies on the Opera House.

For more than a century, red poppies have been used as a symbol of community respect and recognition, marking the end of fighting in the First World War. Poppies have been projected onto the Opera House since 2014 and will light up the sails once again at 8pm tonight.

Large crowds gathered with the Premier and Minister Harris at the State’s Remembrance Day Service at the Cenotaph in Sydney’s Martin Place, as well as local memorials throughout Pittwater and the state to honour the service and sacrifice of Australia’s servicemen and servicewomen.

A minute’s silence was held at 11am to mark the moment on 11 November 1918 when the guns fell silent on the Western Front at the end of the First World War. 

This year we also particularly acknowledge the service of our Korean Veterans following the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice of the Korean War, as well as our Vietnam Veterans who commemorated the 50th anniversary of the extraction from Saigon.

MORE HERE

North Narrabeen Win Australian Boardriders Battle Central Qualifier

Winning Team - North Narrabeen Boardriders. Photo by Surfing NSW

North Narrabeen, NSW
Saturday, 11 November 2023 

North Narrabeen Boardriders have taken out the Australian Boardriders Battle Central NSW regional qualifier at home. Following a giant day of action-packed heats in three-foot playful peaks at North Narrabeen Beach.

The local crew from North Narrabeen Boardriders was comprised of Nathan 'hog' Hedge, Davey Cathels, Benny Wilson, Tommy Hinwood and Ruby Trew.

Narrabeen's finest Davey Cathels also took home the Oakley Prize Award which recognises the stand out surfer of todays event. In the final Davey scored a 9.17 for his team, after bagging a 9.5 in the Semi-Final. His local knowledge led him to out-surf his fellow competitors.

North Narrabeen, North Avalon (NASA), Freshwater, Merewether, Bungan and North Shelly all have now qualified for the National final, which will be held on the 9th and 10th of March 2024 in Burleigh Heads, QLD.

View the full day of results here. 

Other awards included the Letan breakthrough prize awarded to Manning Gregory (Merewether) for pushing the limits, and the Jim Beam Club Spirit award to NASA (North Avalon Surfriders Association)  for great sportsmanship.

Clubs that competed included North Shelly, Merewether, Queenscliff, Dee Why, Avoca, North Steyne, Mona Vale, Curl Curl, North Avalon,  Bungan, Freshwater, Macs Own, Long Reef, North Narrabeen, East End, and Wamberal Express.

2023 Pittwater Community Service Awards Recipients: Robert Hopton, Judy Kelly

Pittwater's 2023 Community Service Award recipients were announced as leaders and volunteers from a diverse cross-section of the local community came together to be thanked for their selfless service by the Member for Pittwater, Mr Rory Amon, at his inaugural community leaders’ event on Wednesday 25 October 2023 at Newport Surf Life Saving Club.

“The thing that makes Pittwater the best place to live is its people, its community and volunteer spirit. In Pittwater, the 2021 census shows that 50% more of our community volunteer than in Greater Sydney, with nearly one in every five Pittwater residents over the age of 15 serving their community. Pittwater is a caring community,” said Mr Amon in his address to those in attendance, including school principals, P&C presidents, faith leaders, sporting clubs, surf clubs, Rural Fire Brigades, community service organisations, and local charities.

Each year, two Community Service Awards are granted to Pittwater locals, in recognition and appreciation for their outstanding service. This year, Mr Amon honoured Mr Robert Hopton and Mrs Judy Kelly with this Award.

“Robert’s contribution will be felt for generations. Since the Avalon Surf Life Saving Club building project was conceived in 2007, the Club has grown 50% from 725 to 1,100 members. Robert’s vision and drive to get this build done is a wonderful legacy. The impact of this Club in saving lives and helping young boys and girls become women and men, through their nippers and bronze medallion programs, is immense. I am privileged to acknowledge Robert’s leading part in this.”

“Judy’s service over many, many years is an inspiration. To continue as she has is remarkable.

Her impact in spending time with the most vulnerable means more than we may ever know,” said Mr Amon.

Details of the award winners run HERE

Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land: Survey Launched To Gather Data On What's Happening To Public Parks - Community Land - Bush Reserves In Pittwater

Window smashed at Warriewood home through rocks thrown - photo supplied

That mother had also contacted the Northern Beaches Council numerous times about this illegal incursion into a Wildlife Protected Area and stated she was fobbed off.

About 7pm on Sunday (29 October 2023), officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command responded to reports of alleged anti-social behaviour at a reserve along Woorarra Avenue, Elanora Heights.

Police spoke to the people involved; however, due to insufficient evidence no further police action was taken. The damage to the park was referred to council.

Police are a mobile resource and respond to incidents as they arise. Response times can be affected by various factors, including the number of urgent calls, distance of required travel, traffic congestion, weather events, and peak periods.

The safety and wellbeing of the community is priority for police and officers will continue to respond to incidents as they occur.

We can’t comment on police response to an incident that occurred two years ago. There is no further comment to what has already been provided.