In a remarkable turn of events in Geraldton, a Dad found himself being swept offshore holding on to two kids who couldn't swim.
Sunday night at 8pm, the wind is cranking at over 30 knots (55 km/h), and there is one kiter out - Matty Kalajzich.
Speaking with Matt, he said that the wind was turning offshore, so he heads in to call it a day. It's then that he sees the Dad with two 4-6 year old children on his shoulders in trouble. The man is about 150 metres offshore, and is yelling for help.
With 30 knot offshore winds a single man trying to keep himself and two kids afloat is clearly headed for disaster.
Immediately ditching his board, Matt makes his way to the man, grabs one of the kids and carries the child to shore using the power of his kite. Once that boy is safe on land, Matt heads back out to the Dad and remaining child and drags them to safety.
Once onshore, it becomes clear the speed at which the kids were swept out by the ocean. Whilst bent over getting his breath back it's plain to see the Dad is still fully clothed (including reading glasses). The kids have been playing by the sea, the rip and the wind have then rapidly dragged them out of their depth - Dad has jumped in after them, and quickly found himself out of his depth as well.
The man reveals that just prior to Matt appearing he was about to let one of the children go so that he could save at least one - at unbelievable situation to face, when only 10 minutes earlier he was having a fun on the beach.
Well done to Matty Kalajzich - hero of the day!
