Neil and Anastasia with WA Governor His Excellency Chris Dawson AC APM (left), and pictured with Moranda.

Heroic efforts to save swimmer during Rottnest Channel Swim

During last year’s Rottnest Channel Swim, solo swimmer Moranda experienced difficulty in the middle of the Gage Roads channel, approximately 7km off the coast of Cottesloe.

As Moranda fell unconscious, her support crew responded immediately. Team member Anastasia Isakova jumped from the boat and swam over to Moranda, but the challenging conditions made it difficult to keep the swimmer afloat.

Another swimmer, Neil Johnson, who was completing the swim as part of a duo crossing, didn’t hesitate to abandon his race to assist. Seeing the drama unfold from his support boat, he immediately jumped in the water and swam towards the unconscious swimmer.

Facing a 20-knot south-westerly wind and a 2-metre swell, the pair managed to swim Moranda back to her support boat and, with immense effort, got her on board.

Assessing her condition, they noticed Moranda was barely breathing and unresponsive. They assisted in clearing her airways and advised her team to call for immediate medical backup.

Refusing to return to his race until help arrived, Neil forfeited his duo race to continue to provide medical assistance along with Anastasia before further medical support arrived.

Neil and Anastasia demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness, almost certainly saving Moranda’s life. Their actions reflecting the true spirit of the swimming community – putting respect and care for others above all else.

For their actions, Neil and Anastasia were each presented with a Royal Life Saving Gold Medallion Bravery Award.

“It is very humbling,” said Neil. “It makes me proud to show my kids and teach them positive values and the importance of community service and care for others. It is a value of mine, to do what is right, look after others and go one step beyond to be the best person you can be.”

Neil, who was a surf lifesaver for over 25 years, competed in rescue and resuscitation competitions and was an active patrolling member for 10 years. He says it’s important to always assess a situation before deciding if you are able to assist.

“You can’t allow yourself to also become in trouble and make the problem worse. Assess the situation quickly but also objectively and then act, and act decisively. I knew I had the training, strength and ability to keep the swimmer above water so I did what I could, and it worked out well.

“I cannot emphasise the importance enough about all learning basic life-saving skills. Time is the biggest obstacle in situations like this and for people to have even basic knowledge on how to effect a rescue or support a person in need is critical, as a first responder can save lives."

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Anyone can learn lifesaving, rescue and first aid skills, and a great place to start is the Bronze Medallion! Find out more about this historic course the link below.