Rescuer saves swimmers with child s kickboard

AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-2000
Rescuer saves swimmers with child s kickboard

Embargoed to 0001 AEST Monday Aug 21



Tasmanian fire officer ANDREW HOWE is one of three people to receive commendations
for brave conduct today for their actions at Carlton Beach, near Hobart, in January 1998.

A 15-year-old girl and her 14-year-old brother drowned, and several other people were
rescued, when a freak summer storm combined with a strong rip at the mouth of the Carlton
River.

Mr HOWE, who was at the beach with his young family, commandeered the only equipment
to hand -- a child's foam kickboard.

Similiarly, two others at the beach took boards out into the storm to help rescue swimmers
and search for bodies: SIMON FEATHERSTONE and SEAN MCCARTHY join ANDREW HOWE in receiving
bravery commendations today.

AAP RTV dw/mo/sub/et

KEYWORD: BRAVERY TAS (HOBART)

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