22 August 2026

Swift teamwork saves teen from drowning at Belmont Oasis

Young lifeguard Josephine Lukasik was on duty at Belmont Oasis’ indoor 50m pool when she was alerted to a 16-year-old who had lost consciousness in the pool.

Josie immediately followed emergency protocols, radioed for help, and entered the water to retrieve the boy with the aid of a member of the public. Meanwhile, Duty Manager Rebecca May had responded to Josie’s radio call and swiftly arrived poolside to assist with the rescue.

“I met Josephine at the edge of the pool and assisted to get the patron from the water,” said Rebecca. “Upon inspection and checking for breathing, it was discovered that he was not breathing.”

Rebecca began chest compressions while Josie assembled the oxygen cylinder and bag-valve mask and another staff member set up the defibrillator. Emergency services were contacted and the pool was evacuated of other patrons.

“The defib was placed on the patron around compressions, with no shock advised, and BVM oxygen was being set up when he regained consciousness,” said Rebecca. “Therapy oxygen was then administered, and the patron was kept in the recovery position until paramedics arrived and took over.”

Thanks to the swift, coordinated actions of Rebecca and Josie the boy was successfully resuscitated and transported to hospital, conscious and breathing. The patient’s family later expressed heartfelt gratitude for the care and dedication shown.

Their response to the emergency exemplifies true professionalism and lifesaving teamwork. As the first responder, Josie did an outstanding job, particularly since she had only been working as a lifeguard for 8 months and it was her first rescue and resuscitation. Josie and Rebecca each received Royal Life Saving Gold Medallion Bravery Awards for their efforts.

“The recognition means a lot that the effort and result was noticed,” said Rebecca. “I am extremely proud of Josephine. She held herself in a great manner and applied her training flawlessly. Had she not reacted in the quick manner that she had, it could have been completely different.”

Josie credits her training for helping her through the situation and advises others to trust in their skills.

“It was pretty instinctive; there wasn’t much time to think,” she says. “But my training made me confident to act, and I knew I had an amazing team who would respond quickly.

“Trust your skills and training; any action you take to help will increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.”