A North Narrabeen mum and her young sons are lucky to be alive after being caught in a dangerous rip during what was meant to be a quick swim at Warriewood Beach.
A family’s decision to swim at Warriewood Beach instead of their usual spot at Narrabeen Lake led to a harrowing experience on Sunday when Mary Flor Lira Ketola and her young sons—Christopher (9) and Zachary (5)—found themselves caught in a dangerous current.
“Yesterday was one of the most terrifying days of my life,” Mary shared. “What was meant to be a fun, quick beach outing with my children turned into a nightmare that I never imagined we’d experience.”
The family, who typically swim in the calmer waters of Narrabeen Lake, were at Warriewood Beach with Mary’s brother, who had taken her other son, seven-year-old Daniel, for a walk up the beach when the incident occurred.
The family were swimming in shallow water when, within minutes, a strong rip pulled them into deeper water where nine-year-old Christopher, who has taken swimming lessons since age four, couldn’t touch the bottom.
Trying to remain calm, she swam out to reach him, and then felt something on her back – it was her youngest child. It was at this point she knew they were in trouble, having to save her eldest son, youngest son and keep herself from drowning. With huge waves crashing over them, she held the boys’ hands as they floated on their backs.
“I was holding onto them so tightly,” she shares. “I was shouting and shouting for help, but it was so loud with the wind and waves crashing, I was terrified no one could hear me.”
“The ocean, which we have always respected, suddenly became our greatest challenge,” Mary remembers. “The strong currents pulled us in, and despite knowing how to swim, panic set in as I struggled to keep my boys safe. The waves were relentless, and in that moment, I truly feared for our lives. I was helpless, exhausted, and terrified.”
It was just after 6pm, but the temperature was still hot. Warriewood Beach’s lifeguards had taken down the flags and were about to leave the beach.
In what Mary describes as divine intervention, several beachgoers and off-duty lifeguards rushed to their aid. One rescuer and lifeguard, Josh Jones, was about to head to his car when he heard Mary’s cries for help.
“God sent angels in the form of kind-hearted strangers who didn’t hesitate to help us,” she said. “To those who pulled my sons from the water to those who comforted us after and to everyone who played a role in our rescue—you are heroes. Because of you, my children and I are here today, alive and safe.”
“Words cannot fully express the depth of my gratitude for your kindness, bravery, and selflessness.”
While rescuers managed to bring Mary and her youngest son Zachary to safety, none realised nine-year-old Christopher was still in trouble. Josh spotted the boy in the water, grabbed a nearby surfboard from the beach, and raced out to rescue him. Christopher later thanked his hero with a handmade card.
The experience has profoundly impacted Mary. “This experience has deeply shaken me, but it has also reminded me of the power of faith, kindness, and community,” she reflected. “Life is fragile, and every moment is a gift.”
“To everyone who has reached out with love, prayers, and support, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Hug your loved ones a little tighter today—we never know what tomorrow may bring.”
Mary with her husband and three boys, Christoper (9), Daniel (7), and Zachary (5).
While the family was taken to hospital, they soon received the all clear. Mary told us that while the family will take some time to recover from the incident, she doesn’t want her kids to become fearful of the ocean or have it stop them from swimming at the beach again. She’s now looking into signing Christopher up to a local Nippers surf lifesaving club because, “Who knows, maybe one day he can save someone’s life too.”
How to spot a rip
Rips are the number one contributor to coastal drowning accounting for 27%. Getting caught in one is not only a terrifying experience but can be fatal. You can spot a rip and potentially save your (or someone else’s) life by looking for these characteristics:
- deeper, darker coloured water
- fewer breaking waves
- a rippled surface surrounded by smooth water
Instead, stick to the breaking waves and whitewash, and remember, if it’s green, it’s mean.
Here’s What To Do If You Do Get Caught in a Rip:
- Float on your back, remain calm and don’t panic
- Raise your arm in the air and call for help
- Continue to tread water and float while you wait for help
- Finally, if you are a confident swimmer, swim with the rip out to sea to just behind the waves. Then swim left or right to catch a wave back to the sandbank and stand up.
Read Next:
Stay Safe: How Not To Drown This Summer
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Images published with full permission. Photos: The Pinay Mum in Oz
