A 66-year-old woman drowned in waters off a south coast beach on Saturday, despite the efforts of 13-year-old members of a surf club who pulled her to shore.
The incident took place at Werri Beach in Gerringong on the NSW south coast at 9am on Saturday. It was one of 34 rescues performed along the state’s coasts on Saturday.
Swimmers have been urged to stay between the red and yellow flags.Credit: Nick Moir
“It’s understood a woman was pulled from the water unconscious and not breathing by 13-year-old members of the Gerringong club who were at the beach but not undertaking surf lifesaving activities at the time,” Surf Life Saving NSW said in a statement.
Police said officers received a call at 9.10am and arrived at the beach to find members of the public and local surf club conducting CPR before paramedics took over.
She was unable to be revived and died on the beach, police said. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Werri Beach is a popular swimming spot but it is not patrolled by lifesavers.
The tragedy follows the death on Friday of a man who was pulled unconscious from the water at Crescent Head on the state’s mid-north coast.
The state’s death toll from drowning has risen to 17 since July 1.
“We’re already seeing these major incidents come through which are devastating for many families at this time of year,” said the chief executive of Surf Life Saving NSW, Steve Pearce.
“I can only reiterate the message we will be spreading every day throughout the summer – swimming at patrolled locations between the red and yellow flags is the best decision for your safety when you visit the beach.”
