Surf Life Saving NSW is warning beach goers to stop taking unnecessary risks and to ‘Play Safe, Stay Safe’ at the beach following a tragic start to the summer school holidays.
A search has been underway for a man missing after being swept off rocks before dawn while fishing at Currarong, south of Nowra Culburra.
SLSNSW duty officers, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Police, Marine Rescue and life savers from Nowra-Culburra SLSC have been assisting in the search.
This follows the tragic drowning of a five-year-old boy at Dolls Point near the Georges River Sailing Club in Botany Bay on Sunday and the drowning of a 23 year-old Thai man at Maroubra Beach at 1.30 on Sunday morning.
Surf Life Saving NSW life saving manager, Andy Kent, says these three serious incidents are a tragic reminder of the inherent dangers of our coastline.
‘Our hearts go out to all the families and friends affected by these incidents. We need people to start making smart safety decisions about where and when to swim or fish and to please stop taking unnecessary risks on NSW beaches.
‘Simply swimming at a beach where some of our 21,000 highly trained life savers and lifeguards have set up flagged areas ensures that you are in the safest possible environment at the beach.’
Life savers across the state performed 63 rescues over the weekend while the Surf Life Saving Emergency Response System was tasked to another 15 jobs across the state by police.
Surf Life Saving NSW Summer Surf Safety Tips:
Always swim between the red and yellow flags.
Read and observe the safety signs.
Ask a life saver/lifeguard for safety advice.
Always wear a lifejacket while boating or rock-fishing.
Learn how to identify a rip.
If you need help, stay calm and attract attention.
If witnessing an in-water emergency call Triple Zero–Police.
For up-to-the-minute beach safety information please visit Beachsafe or download the app.
