On sunday a guy decieded to try to swim across the maroochy river (Cottontree) on the outgoing tide and was getting swept out at a great rate and was just about to hit the surf zone when I got to him. He was completly nackered and in another 5 minutes would have been just a body I think, and just about took me under trying to climb over me (why is it never a hot chick), anyway after calming him down I managed to drag him to the north shore and deposit him close to the beach where he just stands up and walks away without saying a word.............is a thank you expecting to much?
expecting "too" much
I think if he was freaked out he may have not been thinking clearly...
Me and a mate saved two kids from Texas from the rip at Haleiwa Beach (which is ironically the set of Baywatch Hawaii ).... Same thing, just walked away. I think it's just shock though.
I once failed to save a 52 year old Brazilian man from drowning in the waves of Combuco. He just lay there.
I rescued three people in two separate rescues at Redgate Beach last Australia Day. Two of them said nothing and walked away - admittedly one seemed to have some mental health issue and the other guy was and English as a Second Language middle eastern guy (his mate was really grateful though). I think it is a combination of shock and just sheer exhaustion.
After the second rescue my wife asked me to leave as people were still swimming in the very obvious rip next to the rocks and she figured there would be more imminent rescues.
Don't take it personally. Just feel good that you helped someone go home to his family.
Oh yeah - I tore a big toe nail off as I dragged on of the blokes onto a rock on the shore. That hurt like buggery by Bubba in the Special Unit.
Same thing happened to a friends and I after plucking a tourist from a rip
I think they are that frightened after the ordeal they don't know how to react or show appreciation! But atleast we know we have done the right thing a life saved is better then a life taken
Respect your efforts mate
I love the ocean but it can be one scary dangerous place. Makes me feel great knowing that you are all out their enjoying it but also looking out for everyone. For sure he would have been in shock and the reality of how fragile life is. It awesome what you did, and all of you. Lets keep looking out for each other so that the fun can continue. Karma will get you a hot chick. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow. Be patient my friend. Hope she is hot, nice,smart, funny and kites. 
