A Catholic priest has come to the aid of two swimmers caught in a dangerous rip current at Cable Beach, a popular tourist destination in Western Australia’s far north.
Last weekend, Father Liam Ryan was surfing at Cable Beach when he noticed a father and son struggling to stay afloat in the ocean.
“I saw a couple of fellows who looked like they were getting close to a flash rip,” Father Ryan said. “Very quickly, they moved from being comfortable in the water to being swept off their feet.”
Hearing calls for help but receiving no response, Father Ryan paddled over to assist. Within seconds, one of the young men was able to climb onto Father Ryan’s surfboard, visibly relieved at the sight of help.
“Being in a tourist town, we do get people who aren’t familiar with open water,” Father Ryan explained. “It can look really calm, but with a big tide, one minute you’re in the flagged safe area, the next you’re on your own.”
Experienced Rescuer with a History of Bravery
While Father Ryan is primarily known for his work at the Broome Catholic Church, he is also well recognized in the community for his swimming and surfing skills.
This recent rescue is not his first. In 2020, he saved a man bitten by a great white shark at Bunker Bay in the state’s south-west. For his bravery, Father Ryan was awarded an Australian Bravery Award in 2022.
“That situation was similar but a bit scarier,” he said. “We got a bit of a pat on the back and received a government commendation.”
Father Ryan attributes his quick response in emergencies to years of swimming and a deep instinct to help others in need.
Increasing Ocean Rescue Incidents at Cable Beach
The rescue at Cable Beach comes amid a noticeable increase in swimmers caught in rips outside designated flagged areas since the start of the tourist season.
West Coast Water Rescue, contracted by the local council to patrol the beach, reported four rescues in just five days at Cable Beach.
Fatal drownings at Cable Beach remain rare, with a notable incident occurring in 2020. However, the broader Kimberley region holds the third-highest drowning rate in Australia, with 4.55 deaths per 100,000 residents, according to data from the Royal Life Saving Society.
Lifesaving Advice from Broome Surf Life Saving Club
Fabio Armanni, director of the Broome Surf Life Saving Club, urged beachgoers to be vigilant and respect the ocean’s unpredictability.
“Rips can come out of the blue,” Armanni said. “If caught, don’t panic — swim sideways out of the current. If you’re in distress, raise your hand and ask for help.”
The Broome Surf Life Saving Club patrols the beach on Sundays, while West Coast Water Rescue covers patrols throughout the rest of the week.
Armanni emphasized that most interventions are preventative, involving warnings about watercraft near flagged areas or alerting swimmers caught in rips.
Swimmers are strongly advised to:
Swim between the flags
Check water conditions before entering
Swim with a buddy
Avoid alcohol and drugs
Be cautious of rip currents
As Father Ryan succinctly put it, “Respect the ocean, and don’t be a dag — swim between the flags.”