Ashwin Bhalsod: Heartbroken mum’s inspiring update after her family was torn apart by tragedy on a day trip to remote beauty spot

A teenager whose father drowned while trying to save him from the surf has won an award as he fights to prevent the same tragedy from happening to other families, his mother has revealed.

Ashwin Bhalsod, 54, tragically died on a beach in Yallingup, south of Perth, on October 1, 2022, after swimming out to save his boys Isaac and Jeremiah, then aged 15 and 13 respectively.

A surfer in the area tried to access a defibrillator at the scene after calling Triple-0, but reportedly had to wait a crucial seven minutes before receiving a warning. PIN code to open the device.

Imelda Bhalsod said the tragedy prompted Isaac to speak out and demand a regulatory overhaul to increase accessibility to the life-saving devices, leading to him being recognized as Community Citizen of the Year 2024.

“I felt compelled to address the issue surrounding the defibrillator lockbox pins, especially after seeing how a more efficient procedure could have potentially saved my father’s life,” said Isaac, who received the award last month took.

“Losing a loved one has had a deep impact on me and has been a powerful motivator to advocate for change. My family’s experiences fueled my determination to prevent others from experiencing the same loss and pain.

“By raising awareness about this issue, I am grateful that my family and I have been able to effect positive change, potentially saving countless lives.”

The 16-year-old, a gifted child and member of the high IQ association MENSA, said he was deeply honored to receive the award – which he said has fueled his determination to “make substantial changes on a wider scale.” feed.

The former Guildford Grammar School student, who started high school at the age of 10, is in his first year of a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of Western Australia and has his sights set on contributing to the country’s healthcare system.

“I see myself working in a hospital in five years, either in research or applying my knowledge directly to medical practice,” he said.

‘I have ambitions to further my studies in medicine with the aim of becoming a doctor, although I am still exploring this path.’

Isaac was named City of Swan Young Community Citizen of the Year last month

The Bhalsod family is depicted together in happier times

In November 2022, just a month after losing their father, Isaac and Jeremiah spoke out to share their story in an effort to fight for change.

Speak with Nine News Perththe brothers said their father could still be alive if there had not been a delay in using the defibrillator.

‘It should be something quick, because if there is a serious emergency, the code should be given immediately, but it took several minutes, and I’m frustrated by the fact that it took so long, because there would be some hope if it had taken less time,” Isaac said at the time.

“It’s not really good enough… they should all know this and if it wasn’t for them I might still have my dad today.”

It is understood the triple-0 caller was transferred to St John Ambulance where he had to wait two minutes for someone to answer.

He was then transferred to police who did not know the PIN so they called paramedics to retrieve the PIN.

Mr Bhalsod, who was not a swimmer, entered the water when he thought he saw his children struggling in the water.

When the podiatrist reached the teens, he pushed Jeremiah to shore before he and Isaac were swept onto the rocks.

The brothers said their father could still be alive if the defibrillator could be used in time

A surfer in the area tried unsuccessfully to access a defibrillator for him after calling Triple-0. He waited seven crucial minutes before being given a PIN code to open the device.

Isaac told Nine News Perth he could see his father struggling in the water.

“So I said, ‘Hey, grab me, I’m grabbing these rocks.’ So we stayed there for about 30 seconds until a couple of waves hit us and then we were separated and I couldn’t see him,” Isaac said.

He said some rescuers helped bring him and his brother back to shore and then went looking for his father.

But a few minutes later he saw his father’s body floating face down in the water as the men dragged his body in before beginning CPR.

The delays in reaching the life-saving device were part of a report handed to the state coroner.

St John Ambulance and Western Australian Police also conducted their own independent investigation into the matter.

The delays in reaching the life-saving device will form part of a report submitted to the state coroner (pictured, Yallingup Beach in Western Australia)