Lifesavers recognised for bravery - again!

Staff at the Fremantle Leisure Centre have been recognised with a Royal Life Saving Bravery Award for saving the life of a swimmer - twice.  

James Annetts, Pia Rodgers, Molly Higgins and Christine Walker were all honoured for their quick actions and skills in the successful rescue 72-year-old Ian Mitchel in July.

The rescue happened almost a year after Mr Mitchel was involved in a similar incident in the same pool last year.

The 2017 incident also resulted in the rescue team receiving a bravery award. Duty manager James Annetts was involved in both rescues. 

In the latest incident Leisure Centre regular Mr Mitchel was swimming laps in the pool in July when he suffered a seizure.

Leisure Centre manager John East said lifeguards pulled the unconscious Mr Mitchel from the pool, began CPR and administered oxygen, keeping him alive until paramedics arrived.

“Pia was first responder and she was quickly joined by Molly and duty manager James,” Mr East said.

“Once James made an assessment of the situation and was comfortable with Pia and Molly doing CPR he commenced clearing the pools on his way to notify reception.

“Our customer service officer Christine then quickly locked down the reception area and called 000.

“The lifeguards and paramedics worked together for about 15 minutes on pool deck before transporting Ian to St John of God Hospital.

“Performing CPR, activating a full scale emergency response and working in the red zone is not as easy as it sounds, even if you are a professional.

“There are many things that could go wrong and on this day team work, quick thinking and effective communication made this rescue successful.

“All staff did a marvellous job. We’re very grateful and very proud of them.”