On Saturday 16 January, lifeguards and surf lifesavers attended Diamond Beach, on the NSW Lower North Coast, where a 35-year-old male was in trouble in the water about two kilometres north of the red and yellow flags.
The patient was pulled from the water in a conscious state by Diamond Beach lifeguards from the Australian Lifeguard Service, who then were able to administer oxygen therapy, keeping him in stable condition until the ambulance arrived.
Paramedics from NSW Ambulance assessed the patient and transported him to Manning Base Hospital in Taree, New South Wales for further treatment.
Nathan De Rooy, Director of Lifesaving, Lower North Coast Branch, said the man was lucky Diamond Beach Lifeguards could assist.
“Today saw a very quick response from lifeguards that ran nearly two kilometres up the beach to rescue the man from the water, where he was swimming outside of the flags and struggling to stay afloat,” Nathan said.
Black Head SLSC Patrol also sent four members to support; two to look after the flagged area of Diamond Beach, and two to assist the lifeguards.
Callum Boag aged 18 years old, and Lucas Kloostorhof aged 17, from the Australian Lifeguard Service attended the rescue.
“Diamond Beach is notorious for drownings, we’ve had quite a few drownings here in the past year alone - if you’re not an experienced swimmer, or familiar with the surf, it can be extremely dangerous,” Nathan said.
“The incident today, thankfully, wasn’t fatal but it serves as a good reminder to always swim at a patrolled beach and in between the red and yellow flags.
“I would like to commend the efforts of our young lifeguards today, and to all the lifeguards and volunteers patrolling up and down the NSW coast helping keep our beaches safe.”
There have been two fatal drownings at Diamond Beach in the past year. Surf Life Saving NSW advises anyone entering the water to do so at a patrolled beach, and swim in between the red and yellow flags.
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
For information about patrol times, weather, and beach locations visit the Beachsafe Website or Download the App.
Saturday 16 January 2021