Trio of police officers risk lives to save woman drowning in Carnarvon Fascine, OIC thankful for their efforts

Carnarvon’s top cop has praised the efforts of three local officers, who put their own safety at risk to help save a woman from drowning in the town’s fascine last month. On December 18, police were called to the Carnarvon Fascine where they saw a distressed woman struggling in the water. Sen. Const. Paul Walton, Const. Kelsey Patterson and Const. Nic Comito sprang into action immediately, taking to the rough conditions in the water. Police say the trio reached the woman who was about 150m to 200m out from land and were able to get her to safety. Officer in charge at Carnarvon police station, Sen. Sgt Paul Tolan, said the officers’ quick thinking saved a life. “Just getting in, they had to get onto sharp rocks, so they had cuts on their feet,” he said. “No doubt without their quick reaction, it would’ve been a sadder outcome.” The officers jumped in the water facing rough conditions due to poor visibility and strong winds. It was understood the woman had trouble with her mental health, and at the time did not want to follow police direction. Sen. Sgt Tolan said the rescue took about 15 minutes to complete. “To rescue someone who wants to be rescued is hard enough, for someone who doesn’t is an extremely difficult task,” he said. “She was struggling to keep her head above water.” The woman was taken to Carnarvon Hospital for treatment following the incident. Lifeline 13 11 14