30 May 2026

Dangerous conditions prompt dramatic rescue on family day out

Young mother Courtney Kim was enjoying a day out with family and friends in December 2024 at the Hardy Inlet in Augusta, a popular spot for families to go swimming, boating and kayaking.

Courtney was at Seine Bay, near the mouth of the inlet, when she noticed a boy chasing an inflatable toy down the inlet and his grandmother entering the water and following after him.

“The conditions were quite rough, with strong winds and a very strong current,” says Courtney. “He couldn’t hear her calling him to come back. I started to get really concerned for their safety; I was worried about them getting fatigued and eventually getting into real trouble.”

Very quickly the boy was out of sight. Courtney’s concern spurred her into action, and she ventured into the water against the challenging winds and currents.

“I was really worried about the safety of the boy as I could no longer see him as well as the grandmother,” recalls Courtney.

“I grabbed a paddle board and started paddling toward him. I saw the grandmother trying to wave down passing boats and she looked like she was in trouble, so I started paddling toward her as she was closer.”

The boy’s family on shore sought help from a nearby dinghy, which also began heading towards the grandmother.

“I thought if I can reach the grandmother then perhaps the dinghy could more quickly search for the boy. The dinghy reached the grandmother just before me and she struggled to get onto the boat, so I helped her to hold onto my board and paddled her back to shore.”

Courtney supported the exhausted woman and paddled her approximately 500 metres back to shore, ensuring the woman’s safety in very difficult conditions. While Courtney was helping the grandmother back to shore, the boy had also thankfully made it back to safety.

Courtney says her previous first aid training had been useful, despite not needing to use any physical first aid practices on the day.

“I think the strategies in applying first aid and the first step in assessing for danger helped me. Stay calm, look at the conditions and try to assess the best way to deal with the situation.”

Courtney was awarded a Royal Life Saving Gold Star Bravery Award for her efforts, her decisive actions and composure critical in ensuring the woman’s safety.

“It was a nice surprise,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting to get recognised; it motivates me to keep wanting to help others.”

And with young children of her own, Courtney says she wants to help them to become strong, smart, confident swimmers.

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If you know someone who has performed a brave rescue or resuscitation to try to save a life, you can nominate them for a Bravery Award at the link below.
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