It was Easter Sunday, 2018, and at a popular spot on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast known as Happy Valley, near the mouth of the Pumicestone River, six nippers from the local Caloundra Metropolitan Club were surfing on their racing boards. Close mates, Tai Lyon, 14, Maggie Princehorn, 12, Jade Gardiner, Lily Taylor, Ryan Dunshea and Molly Webster, all 13, were proficient in the surf, and knew the area was unpatrolled and prone to strong rips.
When they noticed two groups of swimmers in strife, they knew exactly what had to be done. With military precision, their nipper training swung into action. They coordinated a relay of rescues, successfully dragging all seven swimmers to safety.
Jade has written a note for The Weekly readers, explaining what it means to her to be…