Callum Balcon might be from Byron Bay but he has jumped off the rocks near the Kiama Blowhole a "million times" without any dramas.
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Unfortunately his older sister Darcie Balcon wasn't so lucky the first time she did the jump on January 7. The 19-year-old had to be airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital when she landed awkwardly after jumping off the rocks and suffered suspected spinal injuries.
A NSW Ambulance helicopter winched the injured teen from the water, landing at a nearby helipad for doctors and paramedics to treat her. She was flown to hospital a short time later.
Callum, 17 said he jumped first, with his sister jumping in a short time later.
"As soon as she landed I knew something was wrong," he said. "She complained her back and legs were hurting but she still managed to swim over to me."
The siblings' family friend Josh Thompson saw what unfolded below and quickly rushed to get a rescue tube before jumping in himself. Callum and Josh were picked up by surf rescue boat. Fire and Rescue NSW, Marine Rescue and paramedics responded. NSW Paramedics acting Illawarra Inspector Kyle Glazier said it could have been much worse.
"It is an 18 metre jump I believe. Fortunately she didn't hit any rocks below," Mr Glazier said.
"She complained about back problems but had movement, which is a good sign. We decided not to take any risks and [flew] her to hospital ... for precaution."