July has seen the drowning for two men marking a tragic start to the 2025-26 winter patrol off-season season for Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW).
At around 8.50am on Sunday, 6 July the SLSNSW State Operations Centre (SOC) was notified that a male in his 60s had been found unresponsive and face down in the water at Casuarina in the Tweed Shire.
A member of the public pulled the man from the water and CPR was commenced; however, he was later declared deceased.
Then, at around 1pm the SOC was made aware of another incident unfolding at Termeil, north of Batemans Bay, where another male, believed to be in his 40s, was pulled from the water by members of the public. CPR attempts were unsuccessful.
Volunteer surf lifesavers are reminding the public that response times are reduced during the patrol off-season and there is more responsibility on beachgoers to take safety precautions.
‘This weekend was a horrible start to July and our reporting season,’ SLSNSW CEO, Steve Pearce said.
‘When flags are down during the off-season and there are limited locations being patrolled by ALS and Council lifeguards, it’s so important to be cautious when making a trip to the coastline. ‘If you do intend to head to the beach, make sure you check BeachSafe before doing so.’
From 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, there were 53 coastal drownings in NSW.
Beach Safety Tips
- Always swim between the red and yellow patrol flags
- Read the safety signs for information about the beach and ask a lifesaver or lifeguard for safety information
- Swim with someone else so you can look out for each other and always supervise children around the water
- Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- If you need help in the water, stay calm and attract attention by raising one arm
- In an emergency, dial Triple Zero (000) – Police
- For information about patrol times, weather, and beach locations visit the Beachsafe Website or Download the App.
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