Whitsunday Student's Selfless Cyclone Rescue

A Whitsunday Anglican School student has been hailed for his bravery after helping rescue two people from the ocean during the severe weather brought by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji.

Byron Goodin, a Year 12 boarding student, was in the car with his parents near Cannonvale Beach when they stopped to assist a local man whose boat was stuck in nearby mangroves. Soon after, they were alerted that people were stranded in the rough surf.

“At that point, I just ran down to the beach to see what I could do,” Byron recalled.

Alongside three other bystanders, Byron entered the water in treacherous conditions, including heavy rain, debris, and strong winds. The group located two people about 20 to 30 metres from shore and helped bring them safely back to land.

“Their boat had capsized and split in two. They were really fatigued and shaken up,” Byron said.

“You could only see them when they came up on the waves, but once we reached them, the water was shallow enough to help them get back safely.”

Despite having no formal rescue training, Byron credits instinct, community support, and a strong sense of responsibility.

“If someone’s in danger and you’re able to help, I feel like you just have to, it’s the Australian way,” he said.

Byron’s parents said they were proud of his actions, though he remains characteristically modest.

“I think it’s just something you grow up with,” Byron explained. “It comes from family, my school and the wider community. Helping others is just part of who we are.”

Whitsunday Anglican School Principal Andrew Wheaton praised Byron for demonstrating courage and compassion.

“Byron demonstrated true courage, compassion and determined judgment in what was a very difficult situation,” Mr Wheaton said.

“We are incredibly proud of the way he and others responded, putting the safety of others first. True service in action, and we applaud their bravery.”

As he prepares to begin his final year of schooling, Byron hopes the focus remains on community and looking out for one another.

“Anyone would have done the same thing,” he said.

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Byron Goodin assists with water rescue. Photo credit: Mike Duff
Whitsunday Anglican School's Byron Goodin. Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School

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