Two local heroes have been formally recognised by NSW Ambulance for their rescue of two young boys from drowning at North Narrabeen Beach last September.
Liam Frew from Killara and North Narrabeen local Stuart Tobin were presented with NSW Ambulance Certificates of Recognition on Friday afternoon, personally signed by NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dr Dominic Morgan AM ASM.
The dramatic rescue unfolded on the evening of 26 September 2025, when Mr Frew was surfing near the rock pool around 5pm. He heard cries for help and paddled across the channel to investigate, discovering two boys approximately ten years old struggling in the water.
The youngsters had been swimming off the rocks near the pool with bodyboards when they were caught in a rip current. By the time Mr Frew reached them, they had already been hit by a large set of waves and one had lost his board.
Mr Frew managed to get both boys onto his surfboard but quickly realised he couldn’t safely paddle them to shore alone whilst being pummelled by incoming waves. He signalled for assistance.
Mr Tobin was on the beach with his one-year-old daughter Rosie when he noticed the commotion and saw an arm raised in the water—a clear distress signal. Without hesitation, he handed Rosie to another parent on the beach, stripped down and dove into the water from the rock platform beyond the pool.
Working together, the two men brought the boys safely back to shore, with each rescuer managing one child through the challenging conditions.
When questioned about entering the water at such a dangerous location, the boys—both local residents—said they hadn’t realised the area was hazardous.
NSW Ambulance Paramedic Emily Zollo was on duty that day and arrived at the scene expecting to perform resuscitation on two children. Instead, she found them unharmed, thanks to the swift intervention of Mr Frew and Mr Tobin.
Officer Zollo stated that based on her observations and what the boys themselves reported, the children may not have survived without the rescue.
At the presentation ceremony on 6 March, NSW Ambulance Supervisor Ree Lane praised the extraordinary courage displayed by both men and used the opportunity to reinforce water safety messages.
Supervisor Lane emphasised the importance of swimming between the flags, staying aware of surf conditions, and ensuring constant supervision of children near the water, particularly during the busy warmer months.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by rip currents, even to local beachgoers who may be familiar with the area.
Published 8-March-2026
