Roosters youngster Blake Steep has been honoured at a ceremony in Sydney today with bravery medal presented by the Governor of NSW.
As Patron of The Royal Humane Society of NSW, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC was on hand to recognise 46 of the state’s citizens and first responders at Government House in Sydney.
Steep was awarded a silver medal for rescuing his father Brent in heavy seas while spearfishing at Delicate Nobby,15km north of Port Macquarie on the morning of January 4 this year.
As they were spearfishing, Blake noticed his father had dropped his speargun and was floating face down.
The 20-year-old swam him to a rock platform, and after many attempts got him on to the rocks, suffering lacerations in the process.
His father had difficulty breathing and speaking and it was evident he had suffered a medical emergency.
The young Rooster then swam 400 metres to the beach to call 000 and then swam back to care for his father on the rock shelf. His father was conveyed to Prince of Wales Hospital where he underwent successful open-heart surgery.
The medals are presented in recognition of exceptional bravery and demonstrating the highest regard for human life.
