FOLLOWING the rescues of four more people in NSW with the aid of Angel Rings in the past fortnight, the confirmed number of people saved since the Angel Ring Project began in 1994 stands at 47.
For something as simple and effective as a life ring on a rock platform, the volunteers who run the project and Government agencies who support them need to be congratulated on their efforts.
A dramatic rescue took place off Ballina’s North Wall after two teenagers were caught in a rip on the 14th of March 2011. The duo was swimming on Lighthouse Beach near the wall at about 5.30pm when they got into trouble. Bystanders on the wall managed to throw an Angel Ring to the pair who then managed to eventually kick themselves in to the wall.
One rescuer, David Sullivan, said it showed the importance of the Angel Rings.
“It’s a great advertisement for them and every bar in Australia should have them,” he said. The injured were treated by paramedics at the scene.
In another rescue at Hill 60 at Port Kembla the previous week, a visiting Thai tourist was washed from the rocks and swept out to sea. Whilst she struggled to swim to safety her male companion jumped in to assist her and got into difficulties. Nearby rings were thrown to the couple by their son and with the assistance of an experienced angler were coaxed to safe waters and finally rescued by rope.
More info at www.angelrings.com.au
