Perth dad hailed as hero after saving daughter from drowning

A Perth man has been honoured at the Royal Lifesaving WA Bravery Awards for his heroic actions in saving his three-year-old daughter from drowning in a backyard pool in Broome.

Sandy Spratt, a 25-year-old father of two, was on holiday with his family in August 2025 when the incident occurred. He was visiting a family member's home when he noticed a sudden silence from his daughters' laughter.

He ran to the pool and found his daughter Adaleena unconscious and floating face down in the water.

"I ran straight over there and grabbed her out of the pool," Mr Spratt said.

He immediately performed CPR, bringing his daughter back to consciousness by the time paramedics arrived.

"I already knew what to do without even thinking about it," Mr Spratt said.

Adaleena made a full recovery after spending time in Broome Hospital. Royal Life Saving WA, which awarded Mr Spratt for his bravery, noted that unfamiliar pools for children can increase the likelihood of drowning.

"Holidays and unfamiliar aquatic environments can present unexpected risks, making supervision especially important around water," a spokesperson said.

"Sandy's ability to recognise the emergency and immediately commence CPR provided his daughter with the lifesaving care she needed."

Royal Life Saving WA chief executive Peter Leaversuch said those awarded, such as Mr Spratt, had shown bravery and quick thinking.

"Lifesaving skills are not only for professional lifesavers or emergency responders," he said.

"We hope people never need to use these skills, but the stories recognised through the Bravery Awards show just how valuable they can become when someone needs help."

Mr Spratt is one of 84 West Australians recognised at the 2026 awards. He wants to share a message on the importance of completing first aid training, which he credited with saving his daughter's life.

"Doing a first aid course really does save lives and is worth every bit," he said.