Commemorative seat installed in recognition of courage and humanity
A special event to celebrate the installation of a commemorative seat in recognition of courage and humanity in rescuing a drowning boy is being held on 5 July 2024 at the Port Lincoln Town Jetty.
On 8 December 1963, at the Port Lincoln Town Jetty, 14 year-old Hayden Davey rescued Lloyd Larking, 10, from drowning. The Port Lincoln Times (12 December 1964) reported that the prompt rescue had saved Lloyd’s life after he sank to the bottom. Hayden was changing when he heard calls for help so ran to the jetty and jumped into the water and swam under Lloyd as he was sinking, grabbed hold of him and towed him about 15 yards (about 13 metres) to the beach.
In the following year Hayden was awarded the Act of Bravery Bronze Medal by the Royal Humane Society of Australasia for the courage and humanity he displayed in rescuing Lloyd.
Upon hearing about the Port Lincoln Foreshore Project, Mr Larking approached Council requesting that a plaque be erected on the Town Jetty in recognition of this event and Hayden’s bravery. Council has worked with Lloyd and Hayden over this time and a commemorative seat is being installed on the jetty, close to where the incident occurred.
Together with Council, Lloyd and Hayden would like to invite the community to celebrate the installation of the seat that commemorates this act of bravery.
Mayor Diana Mislov said “It has been a privilege for the Council team to work with Lloyd and Hayden on the installation of this special commemorative seat that acknowledges Hayden’s act of bravery in saving Lloyd’s life back in 1963.”
“Lloyd and Hayden’s enduring mateship is both inspiring and heart-warming and I encourage the community to come along to this celebration and hear their story firsthand.”
This special celebration will be held on the Port Lincoln Town Jetty, immediately after the conclusion of the NAIDOC March speeches on Friday, July 5th, at approximately 11.30am.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
City of Port Lincoln Chief Executive Officer Eric Brown
Ph: 8621 2325 | Email: plcc@plcc.sa.gov.au
