Stanwell Park teenager Kilian Liss used his Nippers training to rescue a drowning man in rough conditions recently.
Rescue passes the test
November 11, 2009
Section: News
Thirteen-year-old Nipper Kilian Liss rescued a drowning man at Stanwell Park the day before his practical training in surf rescue.
The Year 7 Bulli High School student was doing wave board training as part of his surf rescue certificate in a massive swell on October 30. He was the only one past the breakers when he saw a man struggling and calling for help.
“He was about 50 to 100 metres away so I went over to him and he had enough energy to get on the board by himself,” Kilian said.
“I told him to get back but he didn’t so we got dumped once and the board was nose-diving. He could just stand up when we got to the beach and he thanked me.”
Kilian, who moved with his family from Europe five years ago, has been involved with Nippers for four years.
“It was my first proper rescue,” he said. “I was a bit nervous but I felt very proud.
“If I wasn’t there, no-one would have seen him.”
Surf coach Sue Bell said Kilian had shown great initiative and his efforts were even more significant considering the size of the surf and the rip.
“The bloke was very grateful,” she said.
- Nov 15, 2009 @ 04:04pm
congratulations, Kilian!
- Nov 15, 2009 @ 01:39pm
wow :o) good boy kilian
Comment count: 3
Bravo Kilian ! Du bist ein richtig "toller Hecht"! Volker