IF not for fast thinking heroics from Port Macquarie men Errol 'Jay' Corr and Brian Barrow, a life would have been taken by the ocean at Shelly Beach on March 10, 2017.
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On that afternoon Mr Corr and Mr Barrow happened to be in the right place at the right time.
For their efforts they are among recipients across the country to receive a 2018 Australian Commendation for Brave Conduct Award.
The Australian Bravery Decorations date from the establishment of the Australian honours system, and recognise acts of bravery in other than warlike situations, by people who put themselves in jeopardy to protect the lives or property of others.
Nominations are considered by the Australian Bravery Decorations Council, which is an independent advisory body that meets twice a year to consider nominations and make recommendations to the Governor-General for awards.
Jay and Brian worked together to rescue a badly injured woman who was visiting Port Macquarie’s popular Shelly Beach from Mona Vale. She had been smashed against rocks in a ferocious current.
Both men frequent Shelly Beach almost daily and are very competent swimmers.
Mr Barrow recalled the incident, remembering how rough the water was on that afternoon.
"Someone yelled out that someone was out in the rocks. I ran out, saw the lady and pointed to Jay who was up on the beach," he said.
"I ran off the rocks and went in to help Jay. We worked together to bring her back. I'm in dangerous positions like that a lot and I knew not to panic."
On the honour, Mr Barrow was modest, as was Mr Corr.
"It's good and I appreciate it, but there are a lot of people who deserve bravery awards," the former said.
"I don't do it for the recognition. I've saved 30 people from Shelly Beach but this was the worst one," Mr Corr said.
"I was stoked to hear I got the award but I ummed and ahhed. There are heaps of people out there who would do the same thing.
"I hope that by us both receiving this award it can inspire other people to help in similar situations."
Mr Corr was about to leave the beach when the rescue took place.
"I was just about to go home. She got smashed against the rocks and honestly, for the first time in my life, I was scared," he said.
"We almost lost her. She was cut to pieces. It took her six months to recover."
She got smashed against the rocks and honestly for the first time in my life I was scared.
- Jay Corr
Now that she has recovered, the woman rings Mr Corr each month and the trio have formed a special bond since the rescue.
"One month I didn't hear from her, and given she is from Mona Vale I assumed she would call another day," Mr Corr explained.
"The next thing I know I felt a tap on my shoulder. That was very special and something I think about when I reflect on the incident."
Mr Barrow used the award to urge Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to erect warning signs for what has become a notoriously dangerous beach.
"Children are often brought here to swim and tourists always rush in, so a sign to warn people that it isn't an overly safe beach would be great," he said.