Fiona MacDonald: Rescue of Melbourne mother inspires next generation of Sunshine Coast surf lifesavers

An Alexandra Headland lifesaver ditched his coffee to launch into a “life or death” situation and hopes to impart skills on young people to do the same. SEE THE RESCUE

Shane Petersen was having a coffee with a friend when a life or death situation began playing out before his eyes.

The experienced Alexandra Headland “clubbie” wasn’t on duty on Sunday but that didn’t stop him diving in to lend a hand when he saw a mother struggling in the surf with her son.

Fiona MacDonald and her son Hamish were rescued after becoming caught in a flash rip and pounded by rough surf.

The duo from Melbourne were swimming between the flags were the sea changed in an instant.

Surf Life Saving Queensland lifeguards rescue Fiona MacDonald from rough surf at Alexandra Headland on Sunday morning. Picture: Stuart Cumming

Lifeguards also saw the trouble unfolding and used a loudspeaker to tell them help was coming.

But they weren’t the only ones diving in to lend a hand.

“I was just there with one other member of the surf club … having coffee standing up the top and saw something that was developing into a serious situation,” Mr Petersen said.

“I saw them swimming in the flags but I could see that they were quickly getting pulled out through that rip.

“I actually said to the other member … I think these people are signalling for assistance.”

Surf Life Saving Queensland lifeguards assisted by Shane Petersen rescued a woman and boy from rough surf at Alexandra Headland on Sunday morning. Picture: Stuart Cumming.

The patrol captain watched as Ms MacDonald and her 8-year-old son were smashed by a wave and separated.

His life saving instincts kicking in as he grabbed his board to help rescue the visitors.

“It was a pretty close call, it’s probably the closest rescue I’ve been involved in,” Mr Petersen said.

“I was just there to back up the lifeguards, I wasn’t too sure if I jumped in too early to help them or not.

“I’ve been involved in a few rescues but nothing quite as hairy as that.”

He reached Hamish with one of the lifeguards and put him on his board.

Next their attention turned to Ms MacDonald, who Mr Petersen helped onto the beach.

Melbourne mother Fiona MacDonald and her son 8-year-old Hamish King have been reunited with rescuers after being caught in a flash rip on the Sunshine Coast.

Mr Peterson has been involved with the Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club for more than a decade.

The nippers coach said the rescue couldn’t have been a more timely reminder to younger club members how important their role was.

“I try to teach the kids that I’m in charge of … being aware of what’s around rather than just doing what you’re doing particularly in the surf because it’s so unpredictable,” he said.

The 48-year-old’s own daughter is undergoing her surf rescue certificate this week.

“Our under 13s have gotten to the age group … where they’re about to start their SRC,” he said.

Some of his nippers were at the beach on Tuesday when Ms MacDonald and her family met up with lifeguards Zac Turner and Jake Williams to thank them.

“So for them to have seen Fiona and Hamish reunite with Zac and Jake ... was great.”