The writing can take care of itself when you speak to engaging people who know all about their area of expertise.

But getting them on the phone, or meeting them in person, or sometimes just getting a reply to an email or Facebook message can be difficult.

That is why when a story comes along and puts itself right in front of you, it is important to take the opportunity to make the most of it while it is there.

Exactly this occurred at the Ararat Advertiser office on Monday morning when a dramatic story with a positive outcome presented itself. Advertiser staff member Nick Smith probably did not expect to be the news before he went on a holiday to Warrnambool with his girlfriend Alana Pickering.

The pair were involved in a beach rescue as they pulled two young brothers from the water at a popular swimming spot with a history of drownings at the weekend.

Now neither Alana nor Nick were keen to talk about the event, despite their decision to dive into the water to help the struggling pair, they attempted secrecy.

Humble in their actions, it took another Advertiser staff member, and Alana’s father, photographer Peter Pickering to spill the beans on their weekend adventure.

After some cajoling, Nick eventually did give a brief interview on what happened, when he saw the two boys being swept away by the tide at Warrnambool.

Remaining humble, he attempted to lay most of the responsibility for the successful rescue with Alana, but it was clear both acted together to do it. After pulling the boys in and a short conversation with their parents, the groups went their separate ways, leaving few people – not ambulance members, police or surf life savers – with any idea that something had happened.

It was only Peter’s brief mention of the incident on Monday that led to the full story being revealed.

As the Ararat district heads into a dangerous fire season there will likely be a need for more people to act selflessly to save others.

Whether they are Country Fire Authority volunteers, or helping out a neighbour, many of these people go unrecognised.

It is a good time then, given the consistent warnings during the past month about the increased fire risk, to thank these people for their efforts to help community members.

 – Jeremy Venosta