Club president Jason O’Donnell and club members Peter McNally and Paul Young sprang into action around 6pm on October 13 after a member of the public alerted Jason to a female swimmer caught in a rip and in trouble 150 metres offshore.

Jason responded by paddling out in the rip on a rescue board, while Peter and Paul quickly launched the inflatable rescue boat (IRB) and headed out to sea.

Fighting large and choppy conditions, the lifesavers spotted the woman underwater and struggling to stay afloat.

Jason was struck on his head by the board while conducting the rescue but was able to get the patient onto the board and paddled to shore.

Once back on the beach, they administered first aid to the woman who had swallowed a significant amount of water and had gone into shock.

They were able to keep her warm and stable until the paramedics arrived.

Their efforts earned them the National Rescue of the Month Award for October.

Surf Life Saving NSW Lifesaving manager Andy Kent praised the quick decision-making and fast actions of the trio.

“The lifesavers managed to quickly assess the situation and reacted the way they were trained to do,” he said. “While our volunteers don’t go out looking for recognition and are content to play their part in keeping our beaches safe, it is clear that their decision-making and positive actions played a key role in preventing a tragic drowning.”

A ceremony to present the lifesavers with their national award will be held in Canberra next year.