Carlos Amaya of Pukana Surf Adventures, in Garretstown near Kinsale, was one of 32 rescuers honoured in a ceremony by Water Safety Ireland’s national annual awards ceremony at Dublin Castle on Thursday.
The 32 rescuers saved 19 people from drowning in 16 separate incidents across the country.
Carlos, who is originally from Peru but now lives in Carrigaline with his family, had just finished surfing lessons on Saturday March 18th when he spotted a woman standing on the rocks, shouting. He then became aware that two children and an adult were in distress in the water.
The three members of the woman’s family were being pulled outwards by a rip current.
Carlos ran with his surfboard back to the water, and Aaron, a surfer who was already in the water also went to their aid.
The three people in danger were 200m out from shore when Carlos and Aaron reached them. They all made a full recovery.
“Many people think it is safe in the water at Garrettstown but there is a swirl in the water and sometimes riptides. It was the largest group I have had to rescue here but it has happened many times over the six years I've been working here.”
Comments