Surf LifeSaving

It was a good thing Joanne Lucas arrived early for training on Middleton Beach, WA in late May this year, when a woman ran up to the surf club, shouting that someone was being attacked by a shark.

Belting down to the shoreline, Joanne saw the swimmer about 80m off the beach.  She also caught sight of a circling shark fin.  Without hesitation, she stripped down to her bathers and entered the water.  As she neared the man, she knew every stroke was bringing her closer to the shark.

On approach, Joanne did what all surf lifesavers are taught.  She introduced herself by calmly calling out, “Hi.  My name is Jo Lucas and I’m here to help you.”  To which the injured swimmer politely replied “thank you.”  Joanne secured the man and as she began towing him to shore, he told her his name, Jason Cull. 

As the shark continued to circle closely in the area, Joanne suddenly noticed two other swimmers, Sally Malone and Jesse Brampton nearby.  With her encouragement and instructions from people on shore, they too managed to avoid the shark and return quickly to land.   Once in the shallows, members of the public – including a nurse – and other club members immediately came to Jason’s assistance.  They commenced first aid on his open wounds and called for an ambulance. 

Joanne is modest about the rescue.  “I was there and I did my job,” she says.  She graciously credits other people who were on the beach that day with helping.  But for Jason and everyone who witnessed the 52 year old mother swim out toward what’s believed to have been a 4m Great White, Joanne Lucas is a true hero.

Surf Life Saving proudly awarded Joanne with a Citation of Merit for her amazing display of bravery.  Joanne Lucas is another great example of the amazing Australians Surf Life Saving is proud to have as a member of its movement.