The tragic drowning of a man on the South Coast on Thursday has surf lifesavers on high alert for the long weekend.​


Late on Thursday 3 October, emergency services were notified that a man had been spotted floating face-down in the water off Manyana Beach in the Shoalhaven.



NSW Police, the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter, Surf Life Saving NSW Duty Officers and Shoalhaven Council Lifeguards were tasked to attend the incident along with the Ambulance Helicopter from Canberra.



A passer-by pulled the 45-year-old man from the water and immediately began CPR. Sadly, the man could not be revived. He was visiting Manyana Beach with his family when his two children aged 10 and 12, entered the water and became inadvertently caught in a rip current.



The man entered the water to rescue his children but quickly got into difficulty himself and disappeared below the surface. The children’s mother then entered the water and was able to reach the children and bring them back to shore. A short time later the man was seen floating in shallow water nearby.



Steven Pearce, CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW, said that it was a tragic incident and urged holidaymakers to take extra care around the water this long weekend.



“This is an extremely sad incident. What should have been a happy day on the beach for this family has ended in tragedy,” said Steven Pearce.



“We can’t stress enough the importance of swimming between the red and yellow flags at patrolled locations this long weekend. Because if our lifesavers can’t see you, they can’t save you.”



Surf Life Saving NSW extends its sincere condolences to the man’s wife and family.



There have been six drowning incidents on the NSW coastline since July 1 2019.



Beach Safety Tips




  • Always swim between the red and yellow patrol flags, for your nearest patrolled beach check the BeachSafe app or website

  • Read the safety signs for information about the beach and ask a lifesaver or lifeguard for safety information

  • Always 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 Police

  • For information about patrol times, weather, and beach locations visit the Beachsafe Website or Download the App.



 



Friday 4 October 2019


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