Surf Life Saving Australia - 3.00pm Friday 19 March 2010

Media statement

Surf Life Saving has today confirmed the tragic death of an outstanding young surf lifesaver Saxon Bird from the Queenscliff SLSC in New South Wales.

Saxon was competing in the U19 Ironman event at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships at Kurrawa.

The Surf Life Saving community is grieving the loss of one it's rising stars who started with the Association as an eight year old nipper.

It is believed that Saxon got into difficulties and subsequently fell from his craft 150 metres from the beach.

An immediate search was conducted involving Surf Life Saving rescue craft and resources from Queensland Police Services.

Saxon was subsequently located afterwards and conveyed to hospital by Queensland Ambulance.

Tragically, medical staff were unable to revive him.

The Surf Life Saving community is deeply affected and our thoughts are with the family, friends and club mates.

Surf Life Saving staff and officials are working closely with members of Queensland Police Service to prepare a report on the tragedy.

Surf Life Saving will provide the necessary support and counselling for its members and Saxon's family and friends.

Very sad news, the event should have been postponed until conditions improved.
Such a shame, his last words to his parents before his race were, I dont want to do this, referring to the conditions.

I have a real issue with this, if someone was in trouble in huge conditions the guy would have died a hero,there was a choice here,he was a competitor in a race which
should not have been started.

Yeh I am feeling for his loss and no, I dont know him,but I would like to think he will be remembered as a HERO .

62mac said...

Very sad news, the event should have been postponed until conditions improved.
Such a shame, his last words to his parents before his race were, I dont want to do this, referring to the conditions.

I have a real issue with this, if someone was in trouble in huge conditions the guy would have died a hero,there was a choice here,he was a competitor in a race which
should not have been started.

Yeh I am feeling for his loss and no, I dont know him,but I would like to think he will be remembered as a HERO .

there has carnage all week with the local rag full of people getting smashed. it has been reported that 2 people are in hospital with suspected spinal injuries. a mate and myself were just discussing this very topic of the danger with such big craft a hour before i heard about it. i can understand what they are facing now that i have some rather long boards myself now. the organizers, according to the media were repeatedly told by competitors the conditions were too much. it such a sad and avoidable thing too happen. really heartbreaking for all those involved

Tux said...

No good that he died...but it could happen to any of us any time...don't overestimate your abilities or experience

Right Tux, however this 19 year old has won many other titles and trained the house down for this event, young fit and strong what chance or how stupid would the average punter be to venture out in OUT of CONTROL conditions?
Me, no chance

anyway its tragic and I am sure the investigation will prove the point.The event should have been postponed. I certainly wouldn't want to be the director of this event

They've just called off the water based part of it

This morning, organisers of the event cancelled all water, craft and boat events in all age groups for the remainder of the championships. Sand-based events would continue, they said.

AA said...

This was a very sad day.
Saxon is from our club, Queenscliff. Everyone is totally gutted.
The SLSA need to take along hard look at their duty of care.

Mate this is a sad day for the SLSC Club ,and all our thoughts are with the family and I'm sure I can speak for all at our surf club North Cronulla .

This is the second time a competior has died at the aussie titles in very dangerous conditions ,you would think after that tradgey commonsense would come into it and call the event off until conditions improved. It's about time something needs to me done as they obviously haven't learn't a bloody thing!

Boylos