A Singleton father who risked his life to save his 17-year-old daughter after she was attacked by a shark off Esperance will today be recognised for his bravery.
Leon Brouwer was surfing with his daughter Laeticia at Kelp Beds Beach on April 17, 2017 when she was mauled by a 3.5m great white shark.
Mr Brouwer immediately paddled over towards his injured daughter and pulled her onto his surfboard.
He paddled back into shore as the shark continued to circle the pair.
Despite the efforts of first responders and emergency services, Laeticia could not be revived.
Mr Brouwer will be one of three West Australians to receive a bravery medal at the Australian Bravery Awards today.
“Australian Bravery Awards recognise and celebrate Australians who, faced with a dangerous or perilous situation, think not of themselves or their own safety but about others,” Governor-General David Hurley said.
“These individuals deserve our admiration – they are an inspiration and examples of the sort of selfless sacrifice that we can all aspire to.”
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