Teen ironman dies at titles | National News | Breaking National News in Australia

I wont express my history of experience of sports sports, but I am in a position to mention that this carnival should not have been held this week.

While these competitors are "surf life savers'', this does not mean they are indestructible in the ocean in any conditions.

History shows that in these type of conditions, accidents happen and serious injuries occur. Should there not be a surf carnival on today, most of the competitors would not bother about training or visiting the beach as a beach goer, the conditions are just too dangerous and unpredictable.

While this tragic event could have easily have happened in perfect conditions, being in the conditions as they were today, elevated that risk factor to the highest level possible.

The committee and team involved should have a separate committee to SLS to make recommendations on holding an event or not.

Utterly idiotic that this was allowed to continue. I hope the organisers face prosecution.

I beleive that Aussies should have been moved to North Kirra beach last Tuesday. I have recently read a comment someone saying "these lifesavers are softies!" It is not about being soft. Rescuing someone and competing with other competitors and their craft either side on the line can be very different. competing with boats and ski's in these conditions can become hazzards. they cannot choose another path to get through the shore break, as they have been allocated an alley. i haven't seen boats tossed around so much since 1996 when Robert Gatenby sadly died. I was so sad to read this article of another young lifesaver diying in this situation. I think media has taken over safety.

One can't coment on what might constitute criminal negligence but allowing this carnival to take place in the current weather conditions must come close.
Do the organisers put the inerests of sponsors ahead of safety?

"News reported that the teenager had died, but police have since said in a statement that he is in a critical condition". I was releived to hear that this young lifesaver may be ok. I hope that he will recover from this and be ok. I hope that SLSA can continue with Aussies - but at a safer /more protected beach like Nrth Kirra, not an open beach like Kurrawa in these conditions.

Why all the bad blood about the competition. This lad knew the possibilities. He died doing what he loved. He may not have had a choice and most certainly would have chosen more time for himself....but there goeth any of us.

May you rest in peace and ride the waves wherever you may be.

i'm a competitor myself, i compete in the under 17's and i recon it was stupid that they still let it be held, who cares if its the 'australian titles' with this type of weather and surf its so unpredictable.
I competed and the surf was really unpredictable, if it was up to me it would have been cancelled.
They had to let Saxon die to notice how unsafe it was? Niccce work.
They could have moved it up to a couple of beaches and this wouldn't have happened!?

SLSA yet AGAIN have blood on their hands! This is an horrific trgedy that could so easily have been avoided.
Do not forget the loss of a 15 year old lifesaver in 1996 at the same event, at the same beach, under almost identical conditions with a cyclone hovering off the Queensland Coast.
My absolute heartfelt condolences rest with the family of this young ( and by all accounts) gifted young man with so muc life to live.
SLSA and the organisers of this events need to eradicate the nepotism, egos' , bullying and self righteousness that they constantly display along with Surf Lifesaving Queensland.

No doubt even if these titles continue they will be covered by a very big black cloud. How many of our young people have to die before sensible decisions are made in this regard?

First of all my condolences to Saxon's family and friends. What a tragic loss. I will say that I do not believe this surf lifesaving competition should have gone ahead in these conditions.

I have a notable history in sports, and can mention that this carnival should not have been held this week.

The carnival director is a volunteer and pushed by the heavy weights that need to please sponsors, media and naturally keep the thousands of competitors happy.

While these competitors are "surf life savers'', this does not mean they are indestructible in the ocean in any conditions.

While this tragic event could have easily have happened in perfect conditions, being in the conditions as they were, elevated that risk factor to the highest level possible.

Conditions can change every minute but an over all observation of the conditions yesterday demonstrated that the ocean was too dangerous for the general public so beaches were closed, and the leaders of this event neglected to follow to ensure the safety of all.

To think we donate money to an organisation that puts its own members at risk by holding this event in such conditions. I am so shocked and saddened.

The one and the only consideration should have been for competitors safety. No relevance should have been given to sponsors wants or to the fact that many, many people had travelled long distances in order to participate.
Timetable could have been re-scheduled, events could have been moved but no one can now take back the fact that one young life is over and many others affected forever. The surf/ocean is one of the most potent forces of nature and Officials should always have erred on the side of caution.

To all those that want to put this young man down. This young man put his life at risk in order to save others, I hope that one day you are in need of someone's help, and I can Guarantee it. this young man would have risked his life, and has done previously, to help and save others including you.
You show no respect for others that try to make things safer for you and everyone else.
I detest you, and hope that one day you will realise that you are not worth saving !!! . But this young man would have saved you anyway. SHOW RESPECT FOR HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO HAVE LOST A LOVED ONE DOING WHAT HE LOVED. RIP

In reply to nifty1, I don't think anyone is putting this young man down as you put it. I think people are more upset that Officials did not make the decision to suspend/move the events. At 19, the pressure on this young man to compete would have been huge. Peer pressure, Club pressure for precious points and dare I go there and say parental pressure would probably have had a little to do with this blokes decision to enter the surf. He wasn't forced out there yesterday to "save" anyone.Yes he died doing what he loved but the fact is still that a young life has been cut so tragically short. I think everyone's hearts go out to the family, friends and fellow clubbies of their "mate" and I don't think anyone is being disrespectful. Intelligent debate is the only thing that will lead to change and a repeat of this horrible incident.

I obviously meant "no repeat of this incident".