BY IAN CROUCH
Two Lake Macquarie police officers will be recommended for bravery awards after saving three children caught in a rip at Caves Beach.
Around 6pm last night, two girls aged 15 and a boy aged 9 were swimming at Caves Beach when they became caught in a rip.
The 47-year-old father of the boy and one of the girls entered the water to help the children but he too became caught in the rip with all four swept about 70 metres from the shoreline.
With the beach lifesaver having gone home for the night, a witness called Triple Zero.
A short time later, 41-year-old Senior Constable Craig Hansen and 38-year-old Senior Constable Wade Fuller arrived.
They removed their appointment belts and obtained body boards from 2 civilians and entered the water.
They managed to reach the children and tow them back to shore on the body boards - the father was able to make his way safely back to shore.
Ambulance paramedic checked the children and the officers - no-one was was injured and the Senior Constables Wade and Fuller resumed their duties.
Lake Macquarie Duty Officer, Darryn Cox heaped praise on his young officers.
"A fantastic job from them. We'll be submitting a report up through the channels to higher command in regards to having them formally recognised," he said.
