Brownlow medallist Patrick Dangerfield has heroically helped rescue two girls and an 11-year-old woman trapped within the surf off Victoria's Surf Coast Shire.
The Geelong Cats star was taking part in along with his youngsters at Fairhaven seaside in Moggs Creek yesterday when he noticed a gaggle of individuals struggling within the surf simply earlier than noon.
"A household received caught in a rip and there was fairly large swell yesterday so I simply paddled out and helped them get again in," the 31-year-old instructed 9News.
Dangerfield grabbed a surfboard and fought highly effective waves as he paddled out round 400 metres to avoid wasting Julie Sebkova, her daughter Josephine Felber and a good friend, protecting them afloat for quarter-hour till assist arrived.
"He stated: 'maintain onto my foot, we are going to get via this'," Ms Sebkova instructed 9News.
Their place was flagged by a rescue helicopter and lifeguards pulled the sufferers onto jet skis whereas Dangerfield surfed in.
"I gave Josephine a giant hug, my good friend a giant hug, I gave him a giant hug, I could not thank him sufficient," Ms Sebkova stated.
The younger woman was checked over by paramedics as a precaution however nobody was injured.
"Fortunately the household's all okay and that is the essential factor," Dangerfield stated.
"It is essential to watch out however on the similar time, these items occur and the ocean is a robust beast and it was simply an unlucky set of circumstances however the principle factor is they're all okay and do not have a worry of the ocean after that.
"We're very fortunate to have the surf lifesavers we do."
Chatting with 9News, the 11-year-old stated Dangerfield checked in on them later, stopping by their home with a chocolate egg and a brand new paddleboard.
Dangerfield has been hailed a hero by the surf lifesaving group for coming to the household's rescue.
"It is a very courageous and selfless factor he did and one thing we do not advocate you do when you're not assured in your surf talents," lifeguard Samuel Ord stated.
Dangerfield has already received a Brownlow, however he might need to make some room in his trophy cupboard with Lifesaving Victoria hoping to acknowledge his off-field efficiency.
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"We will likely be providing him an On a regular basis Lifesaver award and recognising his bravery and selflessness," Surf Life Saving Victoria basic supervisor Liam Krige stated.