Tony Head (LIWA Aquatics), Dr Jane McCoulloch, Gavin Bunbury, Kristian Hawkless and Greg Tate (Royal Life Saving Society WA)

Bravery rewarded at Derby Memorial Pool

One year on, Derby swimmers Kristian Hawkless and Dr Jane McCoulloch have been awarded Royal Life Saving Bravery Awards for their heroic actions in saving the life of a fellow swimmer.

On 6 January 2015, Mr Hawkless and Dr McCoulloch, together with pool officer Gavin Bunbury, were involved in performing CPR and administering two defibrillator shocks to Robert Verboon when he went into cardiac arrest during an early morning swim at Derby Memorial Swimming Pool.

Their work together saved the life of Mr Verboon, who was later flown to Royal Perth Hospital for further treatment, and made a full recovery.

Royal Life Saving representatives Tony Head and Greg Tate made a special trip to the North West to present Gold Medallion Bravery Awards to the two Derby residents. Mr Bunbury received his award at the Royal Life Saving Western Power Bravery Awards ceremony in Perth last month.