WHEN Jackson Hillier heard a young girl was in strife in the waters off Frankston beach he did not hesitate.
The teenager plunged into the sea and began a rescue effort that saved a 17-year-old girl’s life.
The 16-year-old Bonbeach resident was at Frankston beach with a friend on 8 February last year when it suddenly became clear a girl was in danger of drowning. His actions in mounting a rescue effort will see the teen receive an Australia Bravery Award approved by the Governor-General.
Senior Constable Cameron Wallace and another beachgoer, Aleziah Spiers from South Australia, will also receive Bravery Awards after joining the Bonbeach teenager in the water to save the young girl’s life as she struggled about 250 metres off Frankston beach.
“I didn’t even think about it, I just headed straight out there,” Jackson said.
He spent more than an hour talking to the girl to calm her before the police officer and Mr Spiers joined him to help and drag the teenage girl back to shore.
Jackson said the scariest moment came when he feared for his life “when I went under” during the tiring ordeal.
During the journey back to the beach the girl lost consciousness and Constable Wallace was forced to give her “three quick breaths causing her to be ill and also breathe again” according to information released by the Governor-General’s office.
Jackson, Mr Spiers and Senior Constable Wallace are among 40 Australians set to receive the Bravery Medal.
The Bravery Award nomination noted: “By his actions, Mr Hillier displayed considerable bravery.”
