A Launceston teenager who pulled a young boy from the water when she was just 12 has become the first Tasmanian to receive a Royal Life Saving Commendation.
Amelia Hodge, now 15, was honoured at a Parliament House event yesterday, marking 110 years of Royal Life Saving in Tasmania.
The St Patrick’s College student was on a family holiday at Port Sorell in January 2023 when the incident took place.
Children were jumping off the Port Sorell Pontoon and playing in the water when a four-year-old boy was knocked in.
Amelia spotted the fully clothed boy struggling in cold water above his head and moved into position to help.
Her mother Emily, watching from the beach, called out to her.
Amelia jumped straight in, reached the boy and swam him back to shore. She was 12 years old at the time.
Amelia first learned to swim from her mother at age four.
She went on to learn strokes through structured swimming programs at her primary school from Prep to Grade 6, which included water safety and basic rescue skills.
Royal Life Saving Tasmania president Jim Whiteside praised her response.
“Her ability to remain calm and take action displayed great empathy and capability,” Whiteside said.
“That she was 12 years old when she spotted a small child in distress in the water, called for help and brought the child back to shore, showed great maturity.”
Royal Life Saving Commendations are awarded to community members and emergency services workers who show outstanding initiative and empathy in applying lifesaving skills during emergencies.
Chief executive Michael Illinsky said Amelia reflected the values the organisation works to build across Tasmania.
“Amelia embodies Royal Life Saving’s vision for a community equipped with the skills and willingness to support one another,” Illinsky said.
He said the 110th anniversary made the recognition particularly meaningful.
“As we mark the 110th year of Royal Life Saving in Tasmania, there is a special significance in honouring the efforts of those whose contribution to the community helps build community resilience,” he said.
Amelia is the first Tasmanian to receive the national award.
