Volunteer lifeguard Alec Dornan was patrolling Horseshoe Bay about 10.30am on Saturday, February 4 when he noticed two girls in trouble.

Alec, a year 11 student from Macleay Vocational College, said he did not hesitate to go in after them.

“I had been watching the surf pretty closely because it had been rough and there were about four foot (1.2m) waves,” he said.

“Two little girls were getting pulled out by a rip towards Black Rock.

“They were getting closer and closer to the rocks, so I ran down with the rescue board and paddled out to them.”

Alec reached the pair just in time and got both girls to hold onto his board as he tried to paddle away from the rocks.

“The waves were pushing us to the rocks but I finally paddled to safety and another lifeguard helped me take them back to shore,” he said.

“It was a big adrenaline rush for me but the girls were both shocked.”

Alec’s grandparents encouraged him at a young age to be involved in surf life saving with the South West Rocks Surf Life Saving Club.

He enjoys spending large amounts of time at the beach over the summer months not only swimming but also giving back to the community through the volunteer patrols.

“I’ve basically been at the club all my life thanks to nan and pop. They have helped me out a lot,” he said.

Alec is hoping to successfully complete a Vocational Education and Training course this year in Automotive Service and Repairs.