Patrol 6 led by Club Captain Anthony Rooskie had been keeping an eye on the rip that was running about 150m north of the designated swimming area - The Red & Yellow Flags. With the colour festival taking place and many visitors accessing the beach from the Northern end the patrol was constantly watching the crowd from the patrol tent, conducting roving patrols and constantly advising swimmers to move towards the flags.

Around 4pm two men entered the water who appeared to be bathing close to shore, however, after gaining some confidence they decided to venture into deeper water and directly enter a rip that was starting to run as a result of the pending low tide. After losing their footing and finding themselves been dragged by the rip both men started to panic.

Patrol member Hayley Lea noticed that both were in serious trouble, and called on the assistance of Steve Pearce, both immediately ran the 150m to a strategically positioned rescue board and rescue tube. Hayley swam out with the rescue tube and Steve paddled the rescue board. Hayley with the assistance of a local surfer was able to secure and support one of the swimmers, and the other was supported by Steve. Anthony Rooskie also paddled over to provide assistance to the swimmers. When the swimmers were stablised on the boards, they were both safely returned to shore.

A crowd of onlookers had gathered on the shore to witness "The Surf Rescue Heros". When both the swimmers were safely returned to shore, the patrol members were thanked by the onlookers.

A messaged was received later that evening by Surf Life Saving NSW from the family of the rescued men.

“Thanks very much ! The Surf Rescue Heroes in Stanwell Beach saved my father-in-law and my friends life today!... we will return to Stanwell Beach next weekend to see if they are still there…”

Later in the patrol, the IRB was tasked to the Figure-8 Pools to assist with an intoxicated visitor to the pools who had jumped into the ocean from the rock shelf. On arrival the Westpac Rescue Helicoptor was already on the scene winching the patient from the ocean.

Hayley Lea has been a patrolling life saver for 6 years, and is a key member of Patrol 6.

Steve Pearce has been a patrolling life saver for over 10 years, and has returned to active duty 2 seasons ago after a break. He is also the CEO of SLSNSW.

Anthony Rooskie is the current Club Captain at Helensburgh-Stanwell Park SLSC. He gained his Bronze Medallion more than 20 years ago, after an an extended break to pursue other interests, he returned to life saving 3 years ago.