1971

In 1971, the inaugural City to Surf competition was a grand event with thousands of runners completing the race. At the climax of the event, a squad of 10 parachutists were intended to land on Bondi Beach creating a spectacle for the crowds of onlookers. Unfortunately, two members of the squad landed out past the wave break, while a third, Mrs Pat King, landed on the South Bondi Rocks only to be swept into the surf.

Despite a 2 metre swell, a surf rescue boat quickly collected the 2 men who had landed past the wave break.

Unfortunately, the rescue boat was not able to help Pat as her parachute became tangled in the boats engine. The boat spilt its passengers into the sea and flipped onto the rocks with its bow ripped and hull shattered.

A group of men from the nearby Icebergs club had been watching the drama unfold. Hedley Gates and Roy Gavin were the first to enter the surf to help Pat. Despite a heavy parachute dragging her around, they were able to hold her head above water for some period of time. The three were dragged over rocks and received heavy lacerations. Additional support came from five other men who entered the surf from the bogey hole. Among them was Phil Robinson who had borrowed a knife from reception in order to cut Pat from her parachute. After a great struggle with the rocks and the waves, the group got Pat to shore. She was still somewhat connected to her parachute.

On the beach, ambulance and police attempted to resuscitate Pat until she was transported to St Vincents Hospital.

Sadly, after 5 days at St Vincent’s Hospital, Pat passed away.

The New South Wales Humane Society awarded “The Certificate of Merit” to Bondi Icebergs Winter Swimming Club making it the first club to be awarded for bravery in this manner. Bronze Medals were awarded to Bob Treanor and Ernie Scruse while Certificates of Merit went to Lloyd Greenwood, Paul Meehan, James Fatopoulos and Paul Hoolohan for their role in the rescue.

Courtesy Phil Robinson.