Surf Life Saving NSW responded to multiple serious coastal incidents across the state yesterday, including one confirmed fatality, an ongoing search and rescue operation, a resuscitation and several critical rescues.
All incidents involved the collaborative multi-agency efforts from lifeguards, Surf Life Saving Support Operations, the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter, Police, Ambulance and RFS.
Dangerous surf conditions in NSW saw 70/185 beaches along the NSW coastline.
Locallly two people were rescued by lifeguard jetskis after a Personal Water Craft capsized at the Kingscliff Bar.
Drowning at North Palm Beach
Closer to Sydney at North Palm Beach, a suspected vessel capsize at approximately 11.35am was responded to by Northern Beaches Lifeguards, off-duty surf lifesavers and the Surf Life Saving NSW Northern Beaches Support Operations team including jetskis and the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter.
One person was confirmed deceased, one person was airlifted and is being treated at Royal North Shore Hospital and the search continues for a 14-year-old male. The multi-agency search and rescue operation is being led by NSW Police Marine Area Command with continued Surf Life Saving NSW support.
Rod McGibbon, President, Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches, said it was a tragic way to end the year. ‘For this to happen on any day, but especially New Year’s Eve is a tragedy, at least one person is not returning home this evening.
‘Lifeguards and the Surf Life Saving Support Operations were able to respond to this incident quickly and will continue to assist with the search and rescue operation currently underway.’
Body found after woman swept out to sea – Maroubra
NSW Police say the body of a woman who was swept out into the ocean near Maroubra Beach this morning has been found.
About 4am today, emergency services were called to Maroubra Beach, Marine Parade, Maroubra, following reports a person had been swept out into the ocean.
Officers attached to Eastern Beaches Police Area Command were told a 25-year-old woman had been hit by a wave knocking her into a tidal rock pool before further waves swept her out into the ocean.
Police – with assistance from Marine Area Command, PolAir and NSW Ambulance – commenced a search of the area.
About 5am, the body of a woman was located.
While formal identification is yet to be completed, the body is believed to be that of the missing woman.
A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.
Search underway
NSW Police say a search is also underway for a swimmer believed to be missing in the water at Coogee.
Just after 6am yesterday, emergency services were called to Coogee Beach, Coogee, following reports a man – believed to be aged in his 20s – was in trouble in the water.
Officers attached to Eastern Beaches Police Area Command responded alongside Marine Area Command, NSW Ambulance, Surf Life Saving NSW and Randwick City Council.
Two children rescued
In the south, two children (six and seven years old) were rescued from the water in Wollongong. One of the children required resuscitation and both were transported to hospital conscious while at the remote Bulgo Beach in the Royal National Park a group of children assisted from the water by members of the public before lifeguards and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter arrived.
On the south coast, a male was rescued by the Kiama Lifeguard jetski at the Kiama Blowhole after being swept out to sea. He sustained minor injuries and transported to hospital in a stable condition. On the far south coast at North Broulee, a family of four (father and three children) were rescued from the water by a group of surfers before lifeguards and the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter arrived to support and assess the patients.
A busy day
As 2025 closed out on a very busy day, Surf Life Saving NSW wants to remind everyone to enjoy the holiday period safely.
‘Our message to the public is, please don’t take unnecessary risks, know your limits in the conditions. We want everyone to return home safely. Please always swim at a patrolled location, between the red and yellow flags, because if we can’t see you, we can’t save you,’ said Steve Pearce, CEO, Surf Life Saving 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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