Lifeguard Emma Mercuri at Bilgoman pool in Darlington with her bravery award.
Camera IconLifeguard Emma Mercuri at Bilgoman pool in Darlington with her bravery award. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Herne Hill lifeguard receives bravery award for saving life of young boy in Bali

Sarah BrookesWanneroo Times

LIFEGUARD Emma Mercuri, of Herne Hill, has been recognised at the 2018 Royal Life Saving Society WA Bravery Awards after she saved the life of a young boy in Bali

Emma (20), a lifeguard at the Shire of Mundaring’s Bilgoman Aquatic Centre, was on holiday in Bali in July and spending a day at Waterbom Park with friends.

“We were playing volleyball in the pool and there was a little boy that was swimming around our feet,” she said.

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“I thought his family must have been nearby so we continued playing.”

Sometime after, one of Emma’s friends felt what he thought was a ball under the water but to his horror, he pulled up a little boy who was blue and lifeless.

Emma’s friend brought the boy to the side of the pool as the others called for the lifeguards.

Emma, who is also a lifeguard at Wanneroo Aquamotion, said her instincts and training kicked in and she immediately started CPR.

“After a period of time the boy coughed up water and regained consciousness so I placed him on his side in the recovery position and waited for the lifeguards to arrive,” she said.

“The lifeguards attended to the boy and were able to eventually locate his parents and ensure that he was okay.”

READ MORE: Royal Life Saving Society of WA honours acts of bravery in 2018 awards

For her bravery in saving the young boy’s life Emma was awarded with a Gold Medallion Bravery Award from the Royal Life Saving Society of WA.

Shire of Mundaring aquatic facilities co-ordinator Chris Blankley commended Emma for her ability to act quickly and remain calm in an emergency situation.

“With the summer season about to commence the incident Emma experienced acts as a timely reminder to parents that adult supervision and vigilance around water is of paramount importance” he said.

Mr Blankley reminded parents that children under the age of five must have a parent or guardian in the water and within arm’s reach at all times while at the facility, in or out of the water.

Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult supervisor and remain within line of sight.