Police have saved three children who were caught in a rip and at risk of drowning at Caves Beach.
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About 6pm Thursday, September 29 two girls aged 15 and a boy aged nine were swimming at Caves Beach when they became caught in a rip.
A 47-year-old man, who is the father of the boy and one of the girls, entered the water to assist and also became caught in the rip, with all four persons being taken out about 70 meters from the shoreline and struggling to stay afloat.
With lifesaving services on the beach closed, a witness contacted Triple Zero.
About 6.15pm two senior constables from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command attended. They removed their appointment belts and obtained two body boards from civilians and entered the water.
The officers were able to reach the children and towed them back to shore on the body boards. The father was able to make his own way back safely at that time.
All were examined by ambulance paramedics but suffered no injuries. The officers resumed duty after the incident.
Inspector Darryn Cox, from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command, praised the officer’s actions.
“The children in particular were exhausted by the time officers reached them. These police without a doubt saved their lives.
“We will be requesting formal recognition of the officer’s actions,” Inspector Cox said.