A Sinnamon Park resident who survived the deadly 2004 Boxing Day tsunami while diving in the Maldives has dedicated the ensuing decades to water safety and community service, teaching thousands to swim and overcome their fears.
A Day of Catastrophe and Survival
Twenty years ago, on 26 December 2004, Greg Stegman and his wife, Deidre, were diving off the coast of the Maldives when the Boxing Day tsunami—triggered by a 9.2-magnitude earthquake off Sumatra—unleashed chaos across the Indian Ocean. Mr Stegman described the underwater experience as terrifying, with currents surging unpredictably and dive equipment failing to register the unusual conditions.
“At 8:45 a.m., our dive boat left the Club Med resort, unaware of the catastrophic damage occurring in Asia. Around 9 a.m., our group reached the dive site to commence the standard drift five, which is common in the Maldives. The gentle current of one knot changed during our sixty-foot dive as the unexpected tsunami waves reached the Maldives,” he recounted.
When they returned to their resort, the destruction became clear. Waves had swept over their low-lying island, leaving debris scattered and essentials like electricity unavailable. Survivors relied on canned food and bottled water for days until the Male airport reopened, enabling them to leave the devastated region.
“Only a handful of divers have survived being underwater during a tsunami. The underwater currents are severe and constantly change direction with each deadly wave overhead. The pressure of a tsunami wave plays havoc with dive computers, and there’s a downwelling pressure force that is particularly worrying when the diver is unaware of the tragedy unfolding on the surface.”
Mr Stegman noted the staggering loss of life across Asia, where over 227,000 people perished, and the overwhelming impact on communities from Indonesia to East Africa.
“In returning to our resort, we were shocked to see the devastation caused by three tsunami waves that swept over our low-lying sand island. With no electricity or luxury resort accessories we all survived eating canned food and fortunately bottled water was plentiful. Several days passed by before the Male airport was reopened, and we returned home, unlike millions of Asian families who lost families, home and businesses.”
Decades of Commitment to Water Safety
Long before the tsunami, Mr Stegman and his wife made a name for themselves by pioneering learn-to-swim programs at their Acacia Ridge facility, Stegman’s Swim World. The centre introduced Queensland’s first heated pools for infants and offered aqua aerobics long before these practices were widespread.
After retiring in 2014, Mr Stegman shifted focus to adult swimming lessons, addressing a critical need among migrants from non-swimming cultures. Many of his students wanted to join their children in the water but feared drowning due to past traumas or lack of experience.
Community Service Beyond Swimming
Mr Stegman’s contributions extend beyond the pool. In 2023, he received an Australia Day Achievement Award for teaching water safety, supporting refugees, and fundraising for charities. From helping Afghan and Ukrainian migrants assimilate into the Sinnamon Park community to organising a 30-kilometre charity walk for the Kokoda anniversary, Mr Stegman has consistently sought ways to give back.
His commitment to education, especially for vulnerable groups, has impacted the local community. Parents he once taught now bring their children to his classes, a proof of the generational influence of his work.
Reflections on Tragedy and Resilience
Reflecting on the tsunami, Mr Stegman emphasises the fragility of life and the importance of preparedness in the face of natural disasters. While his survival story is extraordinary, he downplays his experience, focusing instead on what he can do for others in Sinnamon Park and beyond.
Published 9-Dec-2024