Aussie teen surfers earn worldwide praise for saving grandmother and grandson

A wave of global praise is crashing over four incredible teenage surfers who risked their lives to save a grandmother and her young grandson from dangerous surf conditions at Adelaide’s West Beach.

In a moment of pure bravery and instinct, 14-year-old Kai Nixon sprang into action after spotting a 10-year-old boy caught in a fierce rip current. Without hesitation, Kai paddled through treacherous waters to reach the child, ultimately guiding him to the safety of nearby rocks.

But the rescue didn’t stop there.

As cries for help echoed across the beach, fellow teenage surfers Cruz Campbell, Louis Kempster and Riley Kellock – who were nearby – zeroed in on a second, even more urgent crisis. The boy’s grandmother was being pulled farther out to sea. Working together, the three boys launched into action and successfully brought her back to shore.

Though the teens didn’t all know one another, their combined effort was seamless. “They didn’t know each other so they were two different groups of boys who were able to come together and just execute a really seamless plan,” said Louis’ proud mother, Dana.

Now, the story of their heroic actions is resonating far beyond Australia. Interview requests are coming in from media outlets across the United States, and people around the world are hailing the boys as heroes.

Among those singing their praises is South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, who offered high commendation: “Nothing but the offer of the highest of praise to these young fellas who have shown extraordinary courage. They demonstrate there’s a lot of good among young people.”

Kai, who has been a member of the West Beach Surf Life Saving Club since 2016, is set to be formally recognised for his courage. Club president Graeme Cunningham was effusive in his admiration: “Kai assessed the situation and acted cool and calmly. The outcome was good and he did a fantastic job.” The club will be submitting the rescue for review by Surf Life Saving SA, putting Kai in the running for a prestigious state-level award.

Just months before this life-saving moment, Kai had completed his surf rescue certificate – a training that proved invaluable. “The skills they learn are able to be used in real life situations,” Cunningham said. “Our members use these skills when they’re not on patrol.”

Surf Life Saving SA chief executive Damien Marangon echoed the praise: “Their quick-thinking and skilled response, undertaken despite the personal risks, are truly commendable and turned a potentially tragic incident into a story of bravery and exceptional rescue.”

Thanks to these extraordinary teenagers, a family was reunited, a tragedy was averted – and the world gained four new heroes.

Images: 9 News