Jurien Bay Fisheries officer Raymond Worrall awarded at Surf Lifesaving WA Bravery for father/daughter rescue

A Mid West man has been recognised for his exemplary leadership at the Surf Lifesaving WA Bravery Awards after aiding a yacht that had capsized off the coast of Jurien Bay with five occupants on board. Raymond Worrall, a Fisheries officer from Jurien Bay, was one of five people awarded a gold medallion for exceptional bravery at the 2023 Coastal Bravery Awards night on Friday, May 26. The official presentation was held in Perth, recognising 31 recipients for their courage and bravery when providing sometimes lifesaving emergency service. Glenn Anderson and his 11-year-old daughter Ruby had decided to swim in an easterly direction away from the strong current while the group swimming in a northerly direction carried the EPIRB device. Ruby had broken her leg and developed hypothermia in the cold ocean, but the duo were located by Mr Worrall about 200m offshore and delivered them to waiting paramedics. Mr Worrall said a highlight of the rescue was getting the duo into the boat and watching them leave in the hands of paramedics in the helicopter. “I’ve assisted in few marine emergencies before, but with the knowledge from the first three crew members that Glenn had sustained a head injury and Ruby had most likely broken her leg when their vessel hit the reef, the situation was extremely desperate and difficult,” he said. Mr Worrall searched the area in perilous conditions for three hours, and it was said that his leadership was exemplary, and his ability to remain calm while directing clear communication to all crew, vessels, the command centre and the police attributed to the successful recovery. It was said without his efforts and courage during the search it would have had a different ending. “It always feels good to be recognised for your efforts, but while I know it’s not possible, I would have given one to everyone that launched that day,” Mr Worrall said.