Surf Life Saving members Lachlan Larven and Toby Sutton, both 14, save woman off Glenelg beach

A training drill turned into real-life drama for two teenagers who jumped into action to save a woman in trouble off Glenelg beach.

Lachlan Larven and Toby Sutton, both 14, saved a woman struggling in water 300m off Glenelg beach. Picture Dean Martin

A training drill turned into real-life drama for two teenagers who are being heralded for their rescue of a woman struggling in water at one Adelaide’s popular beaches.

Lachlan Larven and Toby Sutton, both 14, have been nominated for Surf Life Saving Australia’s top award after springing to action to help the distressed woman off Glenelg beach on January 20. The pair, Surf Life Saving SA members at Glenelg and Somerton, were undertaking ski-paddle training for their Junior State Championships when they noticed the woman in strife 300m offshore.

“We were paddling along and Lachie was a bit ahead of me, he’s called me over to the lady who wasn’t in any good shape,” Toby, of North Brighton, said.

“We just did what we thought was right, tried to help her and I was glad there were people there to help us, it just went really well.”

SA Police Water Operations boat bring Lachlan and Toby Sutton into shore after their brave rescue. Picture: SLSSA

A beachgoer heard the woman’s screams and called SA Police who launched the Water Operations boat to help the boys bring the woman back to shore.

The woman was passed Lachlan’s lifejacket to keep her afloat before help arrived.

Lachlan, of Glenelg, said, it “feels good” to have helped save a life.

The pair have since been nominated for the SLSSA Rescue Medal, which recognises courageous and outstanding achievements by local volunteers.

SLSSA Lifesaving and Emergency Operations Officer Sonya Williamson said Lachlan and Toby were “thoroughly deserving” of the award. “The quick response from both Lachie and Toby displayed to save the woman was well beyond their years and a testament to their bravery, plus their training,” Ms Williamson said.

“Lachie and Toby are great role models.”

The pair said they had no hesitation helping the woman.

“I felt pretty sure of what I was doing, we’ve done the training and it was good to know we could help someone,” Toby said.