Meet one of our newest life guards James Emanuel who performed a successful rescue at Tahunanui beach on the 24th October, likely saving the life of a swimmer in distress.
The rescue involved a swimmer that was experiencing a health event and had dropped behind the pack. The swimmer had done everything right in that they were towing a float and had the support of another swimmer that had dropped back to help.
James was out paddle-boarding at the time and whilst not on official guard duty he did identify the swimmer in distress and came immediately to his aid along with his companions.
James assisted the swimmer onto his paddle-board and moved them to rocks road swimming steps where, with the aid of a passer-by, provided blankets to keep warm and monitored while they waited for the ambulance to arrive.
James remarked after the rescue:
“I could not have performed the rescue with the confidence I did without having completed my lifeguard training. It really showed to me how we carry these lifeguard skills where ever we go”
We are immensely proud of James for stepping up when needed and flying the flag for the Nelson Lifesaving Club.
James who is a long-time local of the Nelson region is a regular at Tahunanui beach: he and his buddies have been paddling around Haul-ashore island every Saturday and Sunday for the last 8 years. Rain or shine they front-up to paddle the island which is an impressive feat and undoubtedly a record.
James developed his love of the sea as a child during his time away from Nelson at St Kilda Surf life Saving Club as a nipper. Surf club water sports evolved into surfing and sailing and also in a professional work capacity as a fisherman. He eventually returned to Nelson where his involvement with surf lifesaving kicked-off again. This time through his child who joined the Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club junior surf program.
James became an official Lifeguard in February this year and now supports the nipper program as a coach sharing his life-guarding skills with the next generation of lifeguards.
You are a legend James.