Image credit: Glenelg Surf Life Saving Club
Adelaide’s own Sam Tucker and his son Zach Tucker recently became local heroes when, while visiting the Gold Coast for the National Swimming Championships, the father-son duo worked together to save a swimmer with a spinal injury, who was at risk of drowning.
While visiting Kurrawa in Broadbeach, Sam and Zach noticed a French tourist had become unconscious in the water, and acted quickly to respond to the emergency and rescue the swimmer. Sam and Zach are both members of the Glenelg Surf Life Saving Club and used their training to help the swimmer until on duty lifeguards arrived.
“The power of the shore break can catch tourist by surprise and in this case we were concerned about the patient potentially having a spinal injury as he was unconscious and bleeding from his head, as such we treated him for this potential injury ensuring we kept his neck stable while providing first aid and removing him from danger,” said Sam Tucker when asked about the incident. “We didn’t have to think we just responded, based on the surf life saving training and skills that we have developed over many years and refresh each year as part of our bronze medallion certificates.”
Sam in particular has a long history with the club, having grown up in Glenelg, and is now the club’s Competition Officer.
“We urge everyone to take water safety seriously,” said Sam.
“Understanding and respecting the ocean is crucial. Even experienced swimmers can get into trouble. Regular training and awareness can make all the difference in preventing accidents and ensuring everyone enjoys the water safely,” said Zach Tucker, who is a swim teacher at SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre. “Teaching water safety is not just about swimming skills. It’s about recognising potential dangers and knowing how to respond in an emergency. This knowledge is vital for everyone, not just lifeguards.”
Sam Tucker is already well known locally. Alongside his wife Cindy Tucker, Sam owns and runs local successful business Tucker’s Natural, which launched their gourmet cracker range in 2007 as a healthy snacking alternative. Their locally-made artisanal crackers contain no artificial preservatives, flavours, or colourings, and are free from yeast, soy, MSG and GMOs.
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