An Australian boy, 11, rescued a child swept out to sea at Stanwell Park Beach; his father saved another as both received lifesaving awards

An 11-year-old boy and his father have been recognised for rescuing two children swept out to sea by a rip at Stanwell Park Beach in New South Wales, Australia. Hamish Forshaw entered the water to help a young boy in distress, while his father, Simon, paddled towards a second child. The pair brought both children safely back to shore during the incident on 14 September 2025.Their actions were later recognised by Sutherland Shire Mayor Jack Boyd at a council meeting on 23 March 2026. According to Sutherland Shire, both Hamish and Simon received NSW Ambulance Certificates of Recognition for their bravery and lifesaving actions, which helped prevent a tragic outcome.How Hamish and Simon saved two children at Stanwell Park BeachTwo children were swept out by a rip from Stanwell Park Beach Reserve on 14 September 2025. Hamish Forshaw, who was 11 at the time, entered the water to help a young boy. His father, Simon, went to assist the second child.The rescue took place in hazardous surf conditions, and both father and son acted to bring the children safely back to the beach. Their actions were later recognised by the local council as an example of bravery and lifesaving action. The incident prompted formal acknowledgement from Sutherland Shire Mayor Jack Boyd at a council meeting in March 2026, following their efforts in the surf that day.Hamish Forshaw helps bring a child safely back to shoreHamish Forshaw immediately entered the water to assist a young boy who had been swept out by the rip. He brought the child safely back to shore and directed bystanders to call Triple Zero. Hamish was 11 years old when the rescue took place at Stanwell Park Beach Reserve on 14 September 2025.His actions formed one part of the effort to help both children return safely to the beach. Sutherland Shire Mayor Jack Boyd later acknowledged Hamish's courage and judgement in a Mayoral Minute presented at the council meeting on 23 March 2026. Hamish and his father were subsequently presented with NSW Ambulance Certificates of Recognition for their efforts during the beach rescue.How Simon helped the second child reach the beachWhile Hamish was helping the young boy, his father Simon paddled towards a second child, a young girl. Simon supported her on his surfboard and navigated hazardous surf conditions to bring her safely back to the beach. The two rescues happened during the same incident at Stanwell Park Beach Reserve on 14 September 2025, after a rip swept the children out from shore.Simon's actions, alongside Hamish's response, helped both children reach safety. The council's account described the pair's actions as calm and decisive.Why the father and son received NSW Ambulance recognitionSutherland Shire Mayor Jack Boyd presented a Mayoral Minute recognising Hamish and Simon Forshaw at a council meeting on 23 March 2026. Both were presented with NSW Ambulance Certificates of Recognition acknowledging their exceptional efforts during the rescue.The mayor's statement praised their bravery, quick thinking and selflessness, and said their actions played a crucial role in preventing a tragic outcome.The recognition followed the incident at Stanwell Park Beach on 14 September 2025, when two children were swept out by a rip and the father and son brought them safely back to shore. On behalf of the council and the community, Boyd expressed appreciation for their actions, describing them as reflecting the finest qualities of community spirit and courage at the March council meeting.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.