Kai Nixon and Crew: Teen Lifesavers in a World of Slackers

You know, it’s not every day I set down my grumbling cup of coffee and say, “Well I’ll be damned—that actually restores a little of my faith in humanity.” But it happened this week. And it happened in—of all places—Australia, a nation where everything in the ocean wants to kill you, and half the teenagers look like they just stepped out of a sunscreen ad.

So here’s one good thing—and no, it’s not a billionaire launching himself into orbit to escape taxes. It’s four teenage surfers in West Beach who decided to do something useful with their hormones and surfboards.

It all went down on March 5. A grandmother and her grandson were caught in a rip current—because why have a peaceful beach outing when you can reenact The Perfect Storm? Enter Kai Nixon and Cruz Campbell, both 14, who paddled out without hesitation. Picture that—while some kids their age are busy doomscrolling or learning Fortnite dances, these two decided to fight the ocean.

And just when you thought it was enough—because dragging one small human out of Poseidon’s chokehold is kind of a full day—Grandma goes under too. But here come Louis Kempster and Riley Kellock, also teens, charging in like it’s the last scene of a sports movie. Together, they pulled off a double rescue without losing anyone—or their cool.

Nobody was injured. Nobody got a medal. But here’s the kicker: young Kai had just beat leukemia last year. So yes, this kid stared down cancer and then a rip current, and still had the energy to paddle out and save a life.

Now if that doesn’t slap you awake harder than your morning statin pill, I don’t know what will.

So for this week’s One Good Thing, hats off to these Aussie surf kids. May the ocean be calmer next time—but if it’s not, may more teens choose bravery over TikTok.