BY DAKOTA TAIT
The Hunter's surf lifesaving volunteers are being commended for their efforts in assisting emergency services as part of the flood response.
Members have been part of rescue and relief efforts across swollen waterways across Singleton and surrounds in recent days, including food drops, transportation, and medical assistance.
Hunter Surf Lifesaving President Henry Scruton says he's hoping there's respite on the horizon.
"Possibly a couple more days," he said. "We're hoping that the sun does eventually show itself and start to dry things out, and for the rivers to recede a little bit to allow local residents up there the ability just to travel."
A pair of lifesavers crossed the Wollombi Brook yesterday evening, after a Bulga woman called for assistance for her ten-month-old son, who had stopped breathing.
Swansea-Belmont members Lee Archer and Shane Dowsett helped ferry the boy back across the waters, where an ambulance brought him to hospital in a stable condition.
Mr Scruton says it's a testament to the hard work of their volunteers.
"All these guys are volunteers," he said. "They volunteer the entire summer season and now they're backing up as volunteers to assist the community."
"That's what they're trained for and they do it well."
"Thank you to all the guys that are putting the time out away from their families. They've all got full-time jobs, but they're thrown it in to go and assist the community."
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| Image credit: The Australian. |
