A tragic incident occurred at a New South Wales beach on Sunday, where a nine-year-old boy became trapped between rocks and ultimately became the seventh person to drown in Australia during the Easter weekend. The majority of the drowning incidents were attributed to strong swells sweeping people into the ocean from rocks, and two individuals remain missing. Steven Pearce, the CEO of Surf Live Saving in New South Wales, described it as the “worst” spate of drownings on record for the Easter long weekend, calling it “horrendous” during a weekend intended to be joyous and religious.
Earlier on Sunday, emergency teams managed to retrieve the boy at South West Rocks, approximately 400 kilometers north of Sydney; however, he did not survive. There was another incident where a helicopter spotted a father and his son floating near Wattamolla Beach, south of Sydney. Although the 14-year-old son was resuscitated, the father was pronounced dead. In addition, authorities in Victoria continue their search for a 41-year-old man who went missing near San Remo on Friday. Surf Live Saving New South Wales reported conducting over 150 rescues since Good Friday.
Mr. Pearce attributed the surge in deaths to a combination of high temperatures, the holiday weekend, and dangerous ocean swells extending across much of New South Wales and Victoria. While conditions are expected to improve on Monday, authorities have urged individuals visiting the coastline to exercise caution. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed sympathy to the victims’ families and emphasized the need for vigilance, especially for families with children.
According to Royal Life Saving Australia, there have been 323 drowning incidents nationwide in the year leading up to June 2024, which includes incidents in rivers, creeks, and beaches. New South Wales accounts for nearly 40% of these deaths.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr4nkxp994po
