Ironmen and Ironwomen save swimmers from rip at Sydney beach

Nutri-Grain Ironmen and Ironwomen swung into action post competition today to save a group of 25 swimmers at Maroubra Beach who were caught in a rip.

Post medal presentations, athletes were recovering from round four racing when they spotted a group of 25 swimmers struggling in a rip approximately 100 metres off-shore and 300 metres south of the competition area.

A group of 10 Nutri-Grain Ironmen, Ironwomen, other competitors and coaches, all qualified surf lifesavers, swung into action grabbing boards, rescue tubes and anything they could to swim out to rescue those in trouble.

They were able to stablise the group and wait for the competition Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRBs) - who were doing water safety for the event - to arrive and take them to shore safely.

All swimmers were returned safely to shore and treated by the Maroubra patrol, with no major injuries or incidents.

Fresh from her round four Nutri-Grain Ironwoman win, Lana Rogers was one of the athletes first on the scene.

She explained “lucky all of us were here still. About 20 athletes just raced to save the day and there was about 20 or 30 people out there (in trouble). I was also there and lucky we got to the beach safely with all the people.

“Classic Maroubra beach, the water is moving quickly and I think people go in swimming thinking they’ll stay in one place and they’re not … the water was moving very quickly and the rip just took them out to sea.”

Surf Life Saving Australia’s Sport Manager, Wayne Druery, said this is what Surf Life Saving is all about, being rescue ready, adding “today shows us that in the blink of an eye conditions can change and if surf lifesavers can’t see you they can’t save you. Today not only did these swimmers benefit from the great skills of patrolled lifesavers and lifeguards on the beach, but also our elite Ironmen and Ironwomen.

“Our athletes didn’t hesitate to put their lifesaving training into action and as a result, all swimmers in trouble were returned safely to their families.”

Rounds three and four of the Nutri-Grain Ironman and Ironwoman Series was held at Maroubra Beach this weekend with the top 40 athletes from the country taking part.

Image and video: The rescue underway today at Sydney's Maroubra Beach. Credit: Nutri-Grain Ironmen/Ironwomen.