Lasallian praised after dramatic rescue

A Lasallian from De La Salle College Caringbah recently demonstrated remarkable compassion and bravery by selflessly helping to rescue a woman caught in a dangerous rip. This act of care exemplifies the Lasallian values instilled by the college, which encourages students to actively demonstrate kindness and assist those in need.  

According to an article from the  St. George and Sutherland Shire Leader, Chris Ordenes, 15, who is a student at Aquinas College, Menai, bravely paddled out to save an exhausted woman who was being battered against the rocks on the southern end of Cronulla Beach. Meanwhile, Levi Statevski, 16, a student at De La Salle College, Caringbah, and Chris's brother Diego, 13, also a student at Aquinas College, managed the situation on the beach, ensuring that spectators did not enter the water to help. It is crucial in situations like these for untrained spectators to stay out of the water to priorities the safety of both rescuers and the person in distress. 

Working together, the three of them coordinated their efforts to assist the woman. Although others were considering jumping in, they were not equipped for the dangerous conditions. Fortunately, Chris and his companions were at the beach for board training when Chris' father noticed the distress of the swimmer. With a board borrowed from his friend, Chris headed out to rescue her. 

Upon reaching the woman, Chris found her near unconsciousness. He quickly flipped his board for her to hold on to and paddled back to the beach. Although paramedics from the NSW ambulance assessed her later, she did not require hospitalisation. 

It is clear that Levi’s Lasallian education played a significant role in his courageous act. De La Salle College Caringbah is guided by the Lasallian values and emphasises the importance of actively demonstrating kindness and compassion and assisting those in need. 

During their time at De La Salle College Caringbah, students are exposed to a values-based education that fosters empathy, social responsibility, and a sense of community. The college encourages students to embody these principles in their daily lives and to make a positive impact on others. 

Through their involvement in co-curricular activities such as surf lifesaving at the Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club, Chris, Levi and Diego had the opportunity to develop important skills and knowledge in water safety and rescue techniques.  

Their heroic actions serve as an inspiration to his peers and highlight the positive impact of values-based education in nurturing individuals who are not only academically equipped but also socially aware and willing to assist others in times of need. 

The Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club, of which the three young men are members, has provided patrols on Cronulla Beach for more than 100 years. According to the club’s website, cadets and members each season provide the following:

• 13,000 volunteer hours

• 100 rescues

• 200 first aid cases

• 1000 preventative actions

They also help lost children find their families.  

We offer our appreciation to De La Salle College Caringbah student Chris Ordenes for his brave and decisive action to save the distressed swimmer despite the dangerous conditions on the beach that day. To apply the skills he has learned as a Cronulla SLSC “nipper” during a stressful situation, he showed great compassion and bravery. He stands as a great example to his fellow classmates, life-saving club members, and the greater community.

Image: St. George and Sutherland Shire Leader,