Student’s courage and compassion praised
By Wendy Shaw
A student from St Patrick’s College in Launceston has been praised for her quick action and courage.
Year 10 student Amelia is the first Tasmanian to receive a Royal Life Saving Commendation.
She was honoured for her bravery at Parliament House in Hobart in April as Royal Life Saving Tasmania marked 110 years of drowning prevention.
The inaugural Tasmanian commendation recognised Amelia’s calm and courageous actions in an emergency in 2023.
In a blog post, Royal Life Saving Tasmania stated: “At just 12 years old, Amelia noticed a young child in distress after being knocked into the water at Port Sorell. Acting quickly, she entered the water and safely brought the child back to shore.
“Her actions are a powerful reminder that lifesaving skills can make all the difference, no matter your age.”
Amelia explained the circumstances of the incident.
“In October 2023, I was on holiday with my family at Shearwater, in Port Sorell, and we went to the beach to jump off the pontoon,” she said.
“While I was jumping in with a friend, a group of children came to the pontoon for a look. One of the other children pushed in a little boy, who was about four. He was fully dressed, and his parents were at the start of the jetty, so I knew if I didn’t act quickly, something bad could happen.
“Without thinking too much, I quickly jumped in to get the little boy. He grabbed me around the neck, and I quickly swam him to the shallow water so I could stand up.”
Amelia, who explained that she did not know the child, learned to swim at Shearwater as a young child herself.
“I am confident in the water as I have been able to swim since I was four years old, but I am not a strong swimmer,” she said.
When asked about her reaction to the bravery award, Amelia said: “It was very overwhelming, but in a good way.
“I wasn’t expecting to be the only one getting an award, and I didn’t know I was the only Tasmanian to receive the award.”
St Patrick’s College principal Liz Illingworth paid tribute to Amelia’s quick-thinking actions.
“As a college, we are extremely proud of Amelia for the bravery she demonstrated,” Mrs Illingworth said.
“Amelia showed incredible courage and stepped up when she was needed. When we step up to help others, we are not just changing a single life—we are reminding our entire community of the power of care and compassion.”
The award also drew praise from Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood, who acknowledged Amelia’s “courage, compassion and calm leadership at such a young age” as truly inspiring, and commended Royal Life Saving Tasmania’s volunteers, staff and supporters for their ongoing role in building safer, more resilient communities.