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Windsurfer saved from the waves by year 7 boys

Edward ScownGeraldton Guardian
Ricky Lee was pulled out of the surf with only minor cuts and bruises.
Camera IconRicky Lee was pulled out of the surf with only minor cuts and bruises. Credit: Edward Scown/Edward Scown

Three Geraldton high school students have been hailed as heroes after plucking a stricken windsurfer from the water last week.

Ricky Lee is a 20-year veteran of windsurfing, but he said a 12-year break had depleted his fitness.

He saw Town beach as “the ultimate spot”, but strong winds and choppy waters last Wednesday surprised him, and he got into trouble.

“I underestimated the effect the wheat grain building has on the wind. It was gusty and all over the place,” Mr Lee said.

He took to Facebook to thank the Geraldton Senior High School Year 7 trio — Aiden Taylor, Daniel Wheeler, and Blake Bellis, who were swimming at the beach after school.

“I didn’t know what was happening at first, I saw him waving around, but I couldn’t hear him,” Daniel said.

“I just swam over to see what was going on, then I heard him ask for help, so I went and got the other boys to help.”

The trio, who consider themselves good swimmers, dragged Mr Lee and his windsurfer back to shore through the rough surf.

While Daniel was nonchalant about the ordeal, Mr Lee said the situation could have been a lot worse if not for the boys’ help.

“I was just so exhausted, and I was drifting towards the rocks,” Mr Lee said.

He escaped with only minor cuts and bruises, and said he would not be going back to Town beach after the incident.

There is a lifeguard post at the beach, but it is only staffed on Sundays.

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