The wind was “nice and strong” and experienced kite surfer Eddie Hilliar was about one kilometre from shore but then disaster struck.
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“All of a sudden the wind dropped completely and my kite went down to the water and it took about five minutes before I could get it back up,” the 31-year-old told the Mercury moments after being rescued 250 metres south from the pools at Bulli Beach.
With the kite attached to his hip, the Bulli man had started swimming to shore for “ages” before he was spotted by volunteer lifesavers from Bulli and Sandon Point SLSC.
They returned Hilliar to shore safely by 6.45pm.
Surf Life Saving Illawarra media officer Anthony Turner praised the lifesavers for their rapid response and Hilliar for wearing a life jacket.
“Tonight’s incident highlights the importance of knowing your abilities and limitations in the aquatic environment and the use of a life vest to keep you afloat in the water,” he said.
Hilliar, who has a “profound hearing loss”, was also thankful to the lifesavers for their swift response.
“I’m very thankful. They were very friendly and professional. They understood I was somebody who had made a bit of a mistake,” he said.
“Thanks to the whole team for such a swift resuce. It could have been a really unpleasant day if wasn’t for their help. It probably would have taken me until dark to paddle all the way in.”
Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
