Ocean Grove teen Roo Robinson recognised for rescue

A teenager who save a man’s life at an Ocean Grove beach has been rewarded for his act of bravery.

Ocean Grove SLSC member Roo Robinson has been recognised for his off-duty rescue in January, saving a man caught in a rip. Picture: Alan Barber

A teenager who rushed to the aid of a young woman who was screaming for help in waters off Ocean Grove feared for the worst.

Roo Robinson, a Kardinia International College student, was enjoying a day at the beach with his girlfriend when ran to help the woman.

He soon learned the woman’s brother was being pulled out to sea by a rip.

“I literally just ran straight into the water to where he was, which was basically straight out to sea,” Roo said.

Ocean Grove SLSC member Roo Robinson. Picture: Alan Barber

“I just started to swim out there, but in my mind, ‘I was thinking I’m going to have to bring in an unconscious body’.”

After swimming out to the man, he said he recognised the person was distressed.

Roo said he reassured him that he was a lifeguard and was there to save him.

“I spent five minutes calming him down. I told him that he needed to float on his back and slow his breathing down to make sure he was steady,” he said.

Roo safely swam the man into the breakers, keeping his head out of the water and said it took about 10 minutes to reach the sand.

Once Roo helped bring the man onto the beach, the man was placed on oxygen and was taken to hospital in a stable condition.

Ocean Grove SLSC member Roo Robinson has been recognised for his off-duty rescue in January, saving a man caught in a rip. LSV general manager lifesaving services Liam Krige handed over an award certificate and letter of commendation at the clubhouse on Wednesday. Picture: Alan Barber

“It was a huge wave of relief. I was just really relieved that he was OK”.

This week Roo, who is a member at Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club, was recognised for saving the man’s life on January 11.

He said it was vital that people didn’t attempt to rescue another person unless they were properly equipped with skills and tools.

“Even if you’re a strong swimmer, someone in distress can easily overcome you in the water, which is why it is so important you have the skills and equipment before attempting to rescue someone, as well as checking the conditions and if your abilities match them,” Rood said.

Roo received an Everyday Lifesaver award for his bravery and was awarded by the Play It Safe By The Water (PISBTW) committee.

Originally published as Ocean Grove teen Roo Robinson recognised for rescue