Two men have died in separate drowning incidents on the New South Wales South Coast over the weekend. A man estimated to be in his 50s drowned while spearfishing at Lobster Bay Beach on Friday, and a 34-year-old man died after being retrieved from the water at Green Patch beach, Jervis Bay, on Saturday. Authorities have commenced investigations into both fatalities and have issued water safety advisories.
Incident at Lobster Bay Beach
On Friday, approximately 12:40 PM, a man estimated to be in his 50s drowned at Lobster Bay Beach, Shoalhaven, near Currarong, New South Wales. The man was reportedly spearfishing with another individual when he became entangled in a float line, which prevented him from freeing himself.
Off-duty lifesavers pulled the man from the water, where he was found to be unresponsive. NSW Ambulance services and a rescue helicopter were dispatched to the scene. Paramedics performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); however, the man was pronounced deceased. Police have established a crime scene at Lobster Bay Beach and initiated an investigation into the incident. The man's family was present at the beach during the event.
Incident at Jervis Bay
On Saturday afternoon, a 34-year-old male, identified as a New South Wales resident, died after being retrieved from water at Green Patch beach, Jervis Bay. ACT Policing, NSW Police, and multiple emergency services were dispatched to the location at approximately 4:45 PM, following reports that several individuals were experiencing difficulties in the water.
The man was brought to shore, where cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Three additional individuals received attention from paramedics, none of whom required further medical treatment.
Jervis Bay operates as a federal Australian territory, with law enforcement jurisdiction falling under ACT Policing. A report concerning the death will be prepared for the ACT coroner, as the incident occurred within waters designated to the Capital Territory.
Water Safety Advisories
Authorities have issued water safety advisories in light of these and other recent water-related fatalities. Acting Inspector Teneille Keith of the South Coast Police District advised individuals to assess weather conditions before entering the water, noting that severe weather can pose risks even to experienced individuals.
Brent Manieri, General Manager of Public Safety and Emergency Management at Surf Life Saving NSW, advised the public to swim at patrolled beaches. Manieri stated that all drownings recorded in New South Wales this summer have occurred at unpatrolled locations, which can affect rescue efforts and the provision of first aid and CPR.
Recent Drowning Statistics in New South Wales
The fatality at Lobster Bay Beach marked the fourth drowning in New South Wales since New Year's Eve. Other reported incidents include:
- On Thursday, a woman died at Dunbogan Beach, Camden Haven, while attempting to rescue her son from a rip current.
- Earlier on Thursday, a 25-year-old woman drowned after being swept off rocks into a tidal pool at Maroubra Beach.
- Search operations have been suspended for a 14-year-old boy missing off Palm Beach and a man missing off Coogee Beach in Sydney.