Bravery award for swim rescue

By Kelly Yates
A NARRE Warren man will receive a national bravery award for rescuing a swimmer from rough seas at Edithvale Beach last year.
Dany Elsafin told the News he and several friends were swimming in waters off the beach on 14 January when the conditions become rough and windy.
The 21-year-old noticed a swimmer in distress, waving his hands for help.
“I instinctively swam out there and noticed two teenagers were in trouble and caught in a rip,” he said.
One of the boys grabbed Mr Elsafin’s shoulder and the other latched on to his waist.
“I was using my arms and legs to try and stay above the water but every time a wave came I drank heaps of water and lost my breath,” he said.
Mr Elsafin tried to pull the submerged teenager to the surface but said the swimmer could not move.
He was struggling to hold both boys and keep himself above the water, and desperately called for help.
“I thought I was going to die out there,” he said.
One of the boys had let go of Mr Elsafin.
“I couldn’t feel him holding onto my waist any more. I knew he had gone,” he said.
Mr Elsafin was treading water with the other teenager when his friend swam over and pulled him up.
Another friend grabbed the teenager and dragged him to safety, but Mr Elsafin and his friends were unable to find the second boy.
Mr Elsafin said he had mixed emotions about getting a commendation for brave conduct. It took a while after the incident before he returned back to the beach.
“I produced a version of Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen as a dedication to all those who have lost loved ones,” he said.
Mr Elsafin is urging the community to learn about water safety. “We have some great beaches here but they are very dangerous,” he said.