Kitesurfer saves drowning family

In a remarkable turn of events in Geraldton, a Dad found himself being swept offshore holding on to two kids who couldn't swim.

Sunday night at 8pm, the wind is cranking at over 30 knots (55 km/h), and there is one kiter out - Matty Kalajzich.

Speaking with Matt, he said that the wind was turning offshore, so he heads in to call it a day. It's then that he sees the Dad with two 4-6 year old children on his shoulders in trouble. The man is about 150 metres offshore, and is yelling for help.

With 30 knot offshore winds a single man trying to keep himself and two kids afloat is clearly headed for disaster.

Immediately ditching his board, Matt makes his way to the man, grabs one of the kids and carries the child to shore using the power of his kite. Once that boy is safe on land, Matt heads back out to the Dad and remaining child and drags them to safety.

Once onshore, it becomes clear the speed at which the kids were swept out by the ocean. Whilst bent over getting his breath back it's plain to see the Dad is still fully clothed (including reading glasses). The kids have been playing by the sea, the rip and the wind have then rapidly dragged them out of their depth - Dad has jumped in after them, and quickly found himself out of his depth as well.

The man reveals that just prior to Matt appearing he was about to let one of the children go so that he could save at least one - at unbelievable situation to face, when only 10 minutes earlier he was having a fun on the beach.

Well done to Matty Kalajzich - hero of the day!

Update 24th Jan:

Tasman, the lucky Dad to be rescued logged in and posted this message - good on you Tasman!

"My thanks goes to Matt for saving my Boys (Emmett(6) and Lawrence(4)) on Sunday afternoon.

Our regular evening walk of the dogs and play in the water soon turned into a dire situation due to the ocean currents, offshore winds and my poor judgment.

Matt's presence in the area saved not just the Boys and I, but also saved me from punting on the strength of my eldest (Emmett, not only initiated the rescue of his younger brother by going in after him, but on numerous occasions let go of me and swam ahead of us. It is his bravery in the water that stays with me more than the heroic deeds of Matt - and I know thats saying something!).

It was the presence of Matt that saved me from going into panic mode. Having attempted to get to shore using different strokes without success (watching the 4wd on the shore get further away) I knew my next choice was to wait of Matt (who I had been watching before hand). If Matt was not there, who knows where we would have ended up? Strong currents, offshore winds, my guest would be the shipping lanes - if we lasted that long!

Matt's efforts and ease at which he plucked us from our ride 'through hell and back' also reinforces (or maybe introduces) the Kite as a valuable tool in surf rescue. In the hands of skilled surf rescuers on patrol, the Kite's image could soon be more positive.

It was the "Don't think, just act" process going through Matt's mind that makes him a Hero. Even well after the event, I'm am still not sure if Matt realises what his actions mean to this young family.

Thanks again Matt, for saving the lives of my Boys."

Matty gets his dial on the local Gero paper!