Tragic opening to summer patrol season as man drowns at Stanwell Park
In a tragic start to the summer surf lifesaving patrol season, a 24-year-old man has drowned while swimming at a popular beach south of Sydney.
Emergency services were called to the northern end of Stanwell Park Beach just before 1.45pm on Monday, following reports of a distressed swimmer in the water.
Surf Life Saving Illawarra duty controller Anthony Turner said the man, understood to be an Indian national, was spotted floating face-down in the surf.
A number of surfers managed to pull the unconscious swimmer onto their boards and attempted to administer CPR, Mr Turner said.
Four NSW Ambulance units and a rescue helicopter arrived at the scene to find the man in cardiac arrest; despite their efforts, he could not be revived.
Two male friends of the deceased man were "emotionally distressed" and were transported by ambulance to Wollongong Hospital where arrangements were made for them to receive support.
The tragedy came on the opening weekend of the 2018/19 beach patrol season. Mr Turner said it highlighted the importance of always swimming at patrolled locations, between the red and yellow flags.
Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce said the incident was a difficult and challenging situation for all involved.
"Everyone from the surfers, who had the presence of mind to notice the swimmer’s difficulties and get him out of the water, through to our wonderful volunteers and emergency responders, reacted in a professional and compassionate manner," Mr Pearce said.
Conditions on the beach at the time were described as "relatively calm" – however, NSW Ambulance Inspector Matt Sterling said the area is "notorious" for rips.
"The assumption at this point in time is that [the man's death is] a result of a drowning," Inspector Sterling said.
It's unknown whether the man was swimming between the flags when he got into difficulty, he added.
The man's friends had raised the alarm with lifesavers after realising he was missing, and he was spotted face-down in the water shortly afterwards.
Officers from Wollongong Police District will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
with Illawarra Mercury
Most Viewed in National
A relationship banned under traditional law.
Our new podcast series from the team behind Phoebe's Fall
View episodes