‘Acted cool and calmly’: Hero teen to be honoured after rescue at West Beach

The teenager, who just completed his surf lifesaving certificate, has received more good news after his incredible bravery rescuing a grandmother and her grandson. Video 9News

A teenager will be recognised for his bravery after he, along with his friends, rescued a grandmother and her grandson from a rip at West Beach.

Kai Nixon will be honoured by his surf life saving club following the rescue near the boat ramp – obtained by 9News.

The 14-year-old had been a member of West Beach Surf Life Saving Club since 2016 and president Graeme Cunningham said the boys’ rescue was “impressive”.

“Kai assessed the situation and acted cool and calmly,” Mr Cunningham said.

“The outcome was good and he did a fantastic job.”

Adelaide teenagers rescued a boy and his grandmother from West Beach after they got caught in a rip. Picture: 9 NEWS

During the incident, Kai and his friend Cruz Campbell, also 14, were flagged down by a grandmother whose autistic grandson was caught in a rip about 20m from shore.

The pair, both year 9 students at Henley High School, sprung into action.

Kai paddled out to the struggling boy and tried to get him onto his surfboard but became stuck on a rock by the boat ramp in the March 5 rescue.

During the incident, the teens were being smashed into rocks by the rough waters.

But while Kai and Cruz were saving the boy, her grandmother had ventured out into the water and become caught in the rip herself.

Kai Nixon will be honoured by his surf life saving club following the rescue. Picture: Cruz Campbell

Just months before the heroic rescue, Kai had completed his surf rescue certificate. Picture: Supplied

Kai is part of the West Beach Surf Life Saving Club. Picture: Supplied

Two other teen boys, Louis Kempster and Riley Kellock, who were also surfing at the time, joined in to save the grandmother and pull the boy to safety. When he was out of the water, Kai called emergency services to help the grandmother.

After a struggle which Kai said lasted about half an hour, the woman managed to get close to the rocks, and the boys jammed a surfboard between her and rocks to keep her safe.

The incident was captured via Cruz’s GoPro camera.

West Beach Surf Life Saving Club president Graeme Cunningham. Picture: Supplied

Mr Cunningham, on behalf of the club, will submit the rescue to Surf Life Saving SA for review and Kai will be in the running for a state-level award.
“It was an outstanding rescue,” Mr Cunningham said.

Just months before the heroic rescue, Kai had completed his surf rescue certificate, which allowed him to patrol beaches as a lifesaver.

“The skills they learn are able to be used in real life situations,” Mr Cunningham said.

“Our members use these skills when they’re not on patrol.”

Surf Life Saving SA chief executive Damien Marangon said he was “incredibly proud” of the teens.

“Their quick-thinking and skilled response, undertaken despite the personal risks, are truly commendable and turned a potentially tragic incident into a story of bravery and exceptional rescue,” Mr Marangon said.

The incident highlighted “how vital water safety education and lifesaving skills are for young people”.

“These skills can truly make the difference when it matters most,” he said.

Originally published as ‘Acted cool and calmly’: Hero teen to be honoured after rescue at West Beach