Skip to main content
Excellent teamwork from a group of lifesavers has helped save the life of a stranded swimmer in challenging conditions at Dunbogan Beach on the state’s Mid North Coast on Saturday.

At around 3:30, NSW Police requested assistance from surf lifesaving assets after reports began to emerge of a woman in difficulty at the northern end of the beach.



The State Operations Centre tasked the emergency call out team from Camden Haven SLSC to attend and immediately picked up and drove the jet ski from Wauchope-Bonny Hills SLSC down to launch at Camden Haven River.



In the meantime, Paramedics reached the scene and were able to spot the woman about 300 metres off the shore in 3 to 4 metre swell and drifting in a strong current.



She appeared to be trying to fight her way through the break back to the safety of the shore but was making little headway in the surging surf.



Radio contact was established between all responders the position of the swimmer was communicated to the call out team as they prepared their Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) for launch.



Additionally a Branch Duty Officer and a Lifeguard from Bonny Hills also arrived on a jet ski to provide on-water support.



This ski was launched from Camden Haven River and in a testament to the training and support evident right throughout the Surf Life Saving movement, it was a group of young patrol members who stepped up to ensure it was ready to be launched as soon as the crew arrived.



At around 4pm, volunteers from Camden Haven was able to reach the woman and pluck her from the ocean.



She was rapidly transported to shore where she was treated by paramedics for extreme exhaustion.



It was estimated that she had been in the water for around an hour before she was eventually rescued. The whole incident lasted less than 30 minutes and highlights the amazing teamwork and skill shown by Camden Haven surf lifesavers.



This incident was one of several over the course of the Easter Weekend involving swimmers getting into difficulty, and highlights the importance of working together as a team to get the best possible outcome.



Volunteer lifesavers will be out in force each weekend and Public Holiday until the 2016/17 season concludes on Tuesday 25 April. Additionally a number of beaches across NSW will be patrolled on weekdays throughout the School Holidays.



Tips For Keeping Safe At The Beach



• 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 your 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