A NEW surf rescue tube has been installed at Dunbogan’s South Beach following a determined push by Greg and Jo Bovis to improve safety at the unpatrolled beach. For the local couple, the campaign was deeply personal.
Earlier this year, their daughter-in-law Melissa Austin lost her life at South Beach after entering the water to help her son when he got into trouble near the rocks.
Ms Austin was able to help save her son, but was swept into difficulty herself.
The tragedy prompted the family to look at what rescue equipment was available at the beach and what could be done to save a life in the critical minutes before emergency services arrived.
Greg Bovis’ original idea was a simple one.
“At first, all I wanted was a life ring,” he said.
“You see them on rock platforms and beaches, and that was all I wanted – just something people could use.”
What followed was several months of inquiries as the family worked through questions around land ownership, responsibility and the approvals needed to install equipment at the location.
After initially approaching Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, they established that the site was Crown land.
They then contacted the office of Port Macquarie MP Robert Dwyer, with staffer Chris Bawn helping the family navigate the process of liaising with the relevant authorities.
“Robert and Chris really helped to get it moving,” Mr Bovis said.
“They got in touch with the relevant people, and soon we knew it could be done.”
With the necessary approvals, a surf rescue tube unit was sourced for South Beach.
Mr Dwyer and Mr Bawn also assisted with the installation, joining the family to dig the hole, mix concrete and secure the life-saving equipment in place.
For the Bovis’s, acknowledging those who responded on the day Melissa died is an important part of the story.
Police, paramedics, Surf Life Saving Club members and members of the public rushed to assist, with emergency personnel working to save their daughter-in-law.
“They were unbelievable,” Greg Bovis said.
“The police, paramedics, lifesavers and members of the public – everyone did everything they possibly could.
“We just want them to know how grateful we are.”
Members of the Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club were among those who responded, travelling to South Beach to assist.
The new rescue tube is designed to provide beachgoers with a flotation aid during an emergency. While it cannot replace trained lifesavers or emergency services, having it on hand offers another option when a swimmer is in difficulty.
The South Beach installation has also become part of a broader effort to improve access to rescue equipment at unpatrolled coastal locations.
The couple have been working with Jeremy, a Bonny Hills club member, who has been independently developing protective housings for rescue tubes at several locations.
“He’s been absolutely fantastic,” Greg said.
“He’s taken it on himself to make housings to get rescue tubes into places where they could be needed.”
The family has also contributed $300 towards the purchase of another two rescue tubes, with hopes of seeing additional equipment installed at other beaches and popular coastal locations.
For the Bovis family, the newly installed rescue tube now carries a purpose, as well as Melissa Austin’s memory.
By Luke HADFIELD
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