At the onset of the Easter weekend, Australia’s eastern coastline faces devastation as five individuals have drowned amid hazardous surf conditions. Citizens in New South Wales and Victoria are witnessing the aftermath of massive waves, which have claimed lives and left others unaccounted for.
On Saturday, a body was recovered near Tathra, a locality in southern New South Wales, following the tragic discovery of a 58-year-old fisherman and two other men who perished in separate incidents a day prior. Rescuers continue to search for a man who was washed away near Sydney earlier this week. In an alarming incident at San Remo, Victoria, one woman lost her life while a man remains missing after their group was swept into the tumultuous sea, emphasizing the precarious nature of unpatrolled beaches.
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan characterized these events as a “devastating start” to the Easter festivities. She expressed her condolences to the families affected by these tragic losses, acknowledging the possibility of more distressing news ahead.
Adam Weir, representative of Surf Life Saving Australia, is urging holidaymakers to prioritize safety by only visiting patrolled beaches. Recent statistics show alarming trends, with 630 drownings in unpatrolled areas over the last decade. "These coastal locations can present dangers, some visible and others not," Weir warned, advocating for a simple message: “Stop, Look, Stay Alive” for all beachgoers.
As the community grapples with the consequences of these incidents, the importance of vigilance and responsible beach practices cannot be overstated.
