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Rescued man thanks duo who saved him

Chloe FraserSound Telegraph
Allan Godley with his rescuers Joanne White and Ben Cox.
Camera IconAllan Godley with his rescuers Joanne White and Ben Cox. Credit: Picture: Chloe Fraser

On a cold August day Joanne White and Ben Cox were walking their dog on the upper level of the Palm Beach Jetty when their leisurely stroll suddenly took a terrible turn.

Allan Godley, 40, was operating a small sailing boat from the lower level of the jetty when he suddenly suffered a seizure, collapsing before hitting his head on the jetty and landing in the water.

Ms White immediately ran down to the lower level of the jetty and jumped into the water to rescue Mr Godley. Meanwhile Mr Cox called 000 and alerted other bystanders about the unfolding situation and told them how they could help.

Ms White pulled Mr Godley to the surface and with the help of another bystander they pulled him on to the jetty and placed him in the recovery position, continuing to monitor him closely until emergency services arrived.

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Mr Godley was taken to hospital, and after multiple scans, was told he had a brain tumour, which he has now had removed.

Mr Godley said without the quick actions of complete strangers he “would not be here today”.

“Jo said I was about 10 seconds away from being a goner,” he said. “So without these two guys it would have been a totally different story.”

Royal Life Saving Society WA chief executive Peter Leaversuch, Allan Godley, Joanne White, Ben Cox and Mayor Barry Sammels.
Camera IconRoyal Life Saving Society WA chief executive Peter Leaversuch, Allan Godley, Joanne White, Ben Cox and Mayor Barry Sammels.

Ms White and Mr Cox have been recognised for incredible acts of bravery with a gold medallion and gold star at the 2020 Royal Life Saving Bravery Awards last month.

Royal Life Saving Society WA chief executive Peter Leaversuch said the duo were an excellent example to all Western Australians.

“The reality is, emergency situations can occur to anyone at any time and at any place,” he said.

“They’ve applied their skills to save another’s life, showing bravery and commitment in doing so, and deserve ourhighest recognition."

Latara Ogle has received a Royal Life Saving Bravery Award.
Camera IconLatara Ogle has received a Royal Life Saving Bravery Award.

Warnbro resident Latara Ogle also received a gold medallion as part of the awards for her efforts in helping to save a stranger’s life in March this year

Ms Ogle was waved down by a woman on Ennis Avenue in Warnbro earlier this year after the woman’s husband had collapsed on the side of the road.

Ms Ogle didn’t hesitate to respond, performing CPR on the man until emergency services arrived.

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