Just before 6pm on Wednesday 14 January 2026, police received a Priority One marine rescue call at Cosy Corner.
Max, a 13-year-old non-verbal autistic boy, had been caught in a powerful rip and swept rapidly offshore.
A lifebuoy was thrown to Max by members of the public, which he managed to grab, but strong currents continued to carry him north toward the Hamelin Bay rock i lands.
By the time police arrived, Max was estimated to be about 500m from shore, with conditions deteriorating.
As the only officer immediately available, Sgt Harrison recalled himself to duty, made the early decision to pack personal dive fins to ensure he was adequately equipped, and attended the incident alongside Senior Constable Levi Bateman and Constable Dara Keady from Margaret River.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, Sgt Harrison sprinted about 1km along the beach toward Foul Bay before entering the water with his fins.
He swam more than 500m offshore to reach Max, remaining with him in the water until a civilian vessel was able to safely bring them both back to shore.
Despite the significant risk involved, Sgt Harrison was characteristically humble when reflecting on the rescue.
“All I was thinking was if it was one of our children, how scared they would be,” he said.
The incident also shone a light on the remarkable bravery of Max’s 10-year-old sister, Willow, who ran to seek help, provided clear information to emergency services, and played a vital role in ensuring assistance arrived quickly.
In recognition of Sgt Harrison’s bravery, he has since been nominated for a Surf Life Saving Coastal Bravery Award and was presented with a brand-new pair of shoes on Thursday 22 January — a small replacement for one lost while saving Max.
His actions stand as a powerful example of the kind of outstanding service worthy of a nomination under the WA Police Recognition of Excellence (ROE) Awards.
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