While Hannah Keane is known to the brown and gold family as a talented netballer playing for the Hawks' U19 team, it is what she does off the court that makes her notable during Emergency Services Round.
A part-time lifesaver, Hannah Keane had just finished her shift at Lorne Beach last summer when a lady came up to her asking for help.
The lady told her that there were two men drowning about 70 metres out from shore.
The then 15-year-old and her friend paddled out to the two men in the ocean.
“One of the men was in a really bad condition,” said Keane.
“His eyes were rolling into the back of his head, he was moaning and he was struggling a lot.
“The other guy had gone out to help him and they sort of got stuck out there together.”
Keane and her friend brought the men to the beach and called an ambulance.
Their actions ultimately saving the two men’s lives.
Keane has been lifesaving for nine years at the Lorne Surf Life Saving Club.
Over that time she has completed her Bronze and part of her Silver Medallion.
In the next year she hopes to obtain her Gold Medallion and, in turn, become a fully qualified lifesaver.
Despite all her training, Keane says nothing can prepare you for an actual rescue.
“You do all this training, all these trained rescues and you feel like you’re prepared but when it happens it’s nothing like the training.
“It’s very confronting.
“I didn’t even think about it I just went straight out there and at that moment, I just did it.”
Keane thinks the Emergency Services match this weekend is a great initiative as it puts a spotlight on those who put their lives at risk to save others.
“I think it’s a fantastic idea.
“The jobs of our emergency services workers are so important so it’s good that they’re able to be recognised by so many people.
“A lot of those jobs involve putting their own lives in danger to help others.
“I think that’s really brave to be able to put other people before yourself.”
Hawthorn will be celebrating the inaugural Emergency Services match against Collingwood this Friday night at the MCG. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 7.15pm to witness an exciting pre-match ceremony.
The BankVic Emergency Services Interactive Fan Zone will be open from 4.30pm.
To donate, head to esf.com.au.
