NEWS DESK
Rescuers save couple in surging seas
EPA inquiry THE state government is seeking opinions about the future of the Environment Protection Authority. A public meeting in Frankston on Tuesday 13 October will provide an opportunity for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula residents to have their say about the EPA’s role in land use planning, public health, emergency management, climate change, better regulatory approaches, and ways it can effectively consult with the community. Frankston is one of 17 locations around the state for meetings to be held as part of an inquiry commissioned by Environment, Climate Change and Water Minister Lisa Neville to look at the future role of the EPA, Victoria’s environmental regulator. The meeting to discuss the future of the EPA runs 5.30-7.30pm Tuesday 13 October, The Graham Room, Frankston Football Club, Plowman Place, Frankston. Register at epainquiry.vic.gov.au or call 9948 2882. The inquiry is due to report to Ms Neville by 31 March 2016.
Stephen Taylor steve@baysidenews.com.au A BALL game at Frankston beach almost had fatal consequences for a teenage couple last Tuesday afternoon. Trying to retrieve the ball from the sea at about 2.45pm on Tuesday (6 October) an 18-year-old man and 15-year-old girl, both of Cranbourne, swam out in rough conditions but got into trouble in the rising waves and were in danger of being swept out further. Luckily, help was at hand: two bystanders on the pier heard their cries for help, jumped in and swam out 30 metres to rescue them. Albert Ward, 19, of Seaford, and Jarrah Brown, 23, of Glen Waverley, who were having a chat on the pier at the time, didn’t hesitate to brave the surging seas. “I was a bit shocked and not really sure what to do,” Mr Brown said. “We heard them calling for help about two-thirds of the way along from the start of the pier and about 30 metres out on the south side. “It was very rough but we stripped off and dived in after them. I was trying to remember my Year 12 swimming training but instinct kicked in and we managed to get to them. “The girl was panicking a bit; she was struggling as she had taken in a lot of water. “[Alby] went to the guy and I went to the girl.” Mr Ward – a New Zealander who moved to Seaford two months ago – had been swimming off the pier and
Action stations: Rescuers Jarrah Brown and Albert Ward visit the scene of the near-drownings off Frankston pier. Picture: Yanni
Try bowls day
was packing up to go home when he realised the couple were in desperate trouble. “We jumped in as soon as we saw them and swam out,” he said. “I helped the guy and we pulled them towards shore.” Both were barely conscious. Wading in to assist, Frankston’s Senior Constable Peter Godsmark and Constable Sean Osburne took
MT ELIZA Bowling Club will hold a free Try Bowls Day, Sunday 18 October. The club will open its doors 10am-4pm for newcomers to try a game of bowls, enjoy a free cuppa and a sausage sizzle. No experience is necessary, and all equipment is provided. Bowling tips will be offered by members and hospitality provided in the clubhouse. The club is at 90 Canadian Bay Rd, Mt Eliza, call 9787 3047.
over the rescue. The man was not breathing and had no pulse. They gave initial CPR until paramedics arrived soon afterwards. The couple were taken to Frankston hospital. The girl was released later that night but the man’s condition was said to be more serious. Senior Constable Godsmark said Friday he would call doctors about the man’s condition. “I am told he is
doing much better but is still in a serious condition.” Police Sergeant Rod Hayne, who also attended the rescue scene, said he would recommend Brown and Ward for life-saving awards. “They took decisive action and may have prevented two lives being lost,” he said. “The police officers did a great job, too.”
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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Frankston Times
12 October 2015
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