Recognition for young dad who saved drowning daughter
Sandy Spratt rescued his daughter from drowning while visiting Broome. (Supplied: Sandy Spratt)
In short:
A young father has been awarded Western Australia's Royal Life Saving Bravery Award for rescuing his toddler from drowning in a backyard pool in Broome.
Sandy Spratt is using the recognition to encourage others to complete a first aid course.
Eighty-four West Australians were recognised at the 2026 awards on Friday.
A Perth man has been recognised at the Royal Lifesaving WA Bravery Awards after saving his daughter's life from drowning.
Sandy Spratt, a 25-year-old father of two young daughters, was holidaying in Broome, 2080 kilometres north of Perth, in August 2025 when he visited a family member's home.
Mr Spratt enjoyed catching up with family as his daughters played safely near a gated pool.
But a sudden silence from his daughters' laughter alarmed him.
He ran straight to the pool and saw his three-year-old daughter Adaleena unconscious, floating with her 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.
Sandy Spratt saved his daughter Adaleena's life while holidaying in Broome. (Supplied: Sandy Spratt)
Royal Life Saving WA, which awarded Mr Spratt for his bravery, said unfamiliar pools for children could 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 on Friday.
First aid training at work
Mr Spratt wants the honour to extend beyond his actions of that day.
He had completed first aid training through a past job, which he credited with saving his daughter's life.
Mr Spratt said he wanted to share a message on the importance of completing first aid training, which involved learning CPR.
"Doing a first aid course really does save lives and is worth every bit," he said
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