In what is a tragic end to a day out at the beach, a teenager couldn’t be revived after getting into difficulty while jumping off rocks near Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.


It is understood the 16-year-old male was with a group of friends who were jumping off rocks on the northern headland between Susan Gilmore Beach and Bar Beach at around 3:30pm.



The alarm was raised after the teenager didn’t resurface following a jump which triggered an immediate joint-agency response. 



Police, Paramedics and the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter operating out of Newcastle all raced to the scene, while the NSW State Operations Centre tasked lifesaving assets including a Hunter Duty Officer, Inflatable Rescue Boats from local clubs, and the Newcastle City Council Lifeguards to all respond.



After a frantic search operation the missing teen was located by the helicopter who winched down a crew to pull him from the water.



He was transported to Cooks Hills SLSC but sadly couldn’t be revived.



SLSNSW CEO Steven Pearce said it was an extremely difficult situation for all involved.



“What we have seen today is a rapid and co-ordinated response from emergency service using their diverse range of skills, technique and knowledge in a valiant attempt to avert this tragedy which will touch many within the community.



“On behalf of the entire Surf Life Saving family I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of this young man,” said Mr Pearce.



It has been a day of near misses out on the water with lifesavers again urging the public to aware of the dangers of rip currents after three major rescues within an hour at beaches across Sydney.



In the first incident a man was rescued by a member of the public at Collaroy after becoming caught in a powerful rip current.



At Coogee a lifesaver doing training on a surf ski went to the aid of a struggling swimmer, while at Tamarama a 21-year-old has been transported to hospital for observation and given oxygen treatment after being plucked out of the water by surf lifesavers.



Today’s fatality is the 24thcoastal drowning since July and all of the club members involved are participating in a critical incident debrief.



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 Police

  • Don’t forget to be sun safe by remembering to: Slip on some protective clothing, Slop on some sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Slide on a pair of sunglasses, Seek some shade and Sip on lots of water to stay hydrated.

  • For information about patrol times, weather, and beach locations visit the Beachsafe Website or Download the App.



 



Sunday 3 February 2019