NATSAR Australian Search and Rescue Awards recognise three Exmouth locals after rescue in dangerous conditions

A marine rescue volunteer, surfer and local beachgoer in the Gascoyne have been recognised in a national awards scheme for helping save eight lives. On Wednesday, October 16, the 2023-24 Australian Search and Rescue Awards were presented in Sydney, where three Exmouth locals were awarded for their efforts in a large-scale rescue. On June 3, Alek Nowak, Matthew Thorburn and Tosh Nottle helped rescue eight distressed swimmers from dangerous surf after being swept out to sea off Jansz Beach, 19km from Exmouth. Swimmers and surfers were unable to swim to shore due to strong currents and a 3m swell, and had been pulled by the current towards an area of breaking waves known as Helby Bank. Exmouth Marine Rescue volunteer Mr Nowak was off duty and at the scene. Through his friend, Mr Thorburn, he was able to connect with local surfer Mr Nottle, who took his jet ski out with a rescue sled. Searching for those in distress and following Mr Nowak’s directions, he located a father and two young children, who advised there was a second group who were more in need of assistance about another 2km offshore. He was able to take one of the surfers via jet ski and the other onto the sled back to shore, before returning to assist the family of three. By that time, the marine rescue vessel had been deployed and rescued others in distress. An Australian Maritime Safety Authority spokesperson said with the quick actions of Mr Nowak, Mr Thorburn and other marine rescue volunteers, as well as the assistance of Mr Nottle, a tragic outcome was avoided. “The successful outcome was not only due to these three individuals, but also the result of the professionalism, efforts, and excellent local knowledge of the Exmouth Marine Rescue group as a whole,” the spokesperson said. Despite Mr Nowak being a professional volunteer, the National Search and Rescue Council agreed Mr Nowak should be recognised for his role that day and he was awarded with the non-professional award. All three received the same award. NSRC executive director response division Mark Morrow said it was an honour to celebrate the actions of the three men. “Every year I am taken aback by the dedication shown by the search and rescue community and members of the public,” he said. “These awardees demonstrate true selflessness and professionalism and thoroughly deserve the recognition they have received.”