A young Indian international student has drowned while swimming at Stanwell Park beach, south of the Royal National Park in Sydney’s South.
Surf Life Saving Duty Officer at Illawarra, Anthony Turner told SBS Hindi the man, understood to be an Indian national, was spotted face down on the northern end of the beach around 1.45 pm this afternoon.
The young man is believed to be an international student who was swimming with two friends when he got into difficulty.
“They were swimming 500 meters outside the patrolled area. We raced our lifesavers and managed to reach him in the water and conducted CPR on him.
“We continued CPR once we brought him to the beach. Tragically, it was unsuccessful,” Mr Turner said.
“He passed away.”
The young man was accompanied by a group of friends at the beach.
At about 1.40pm, emergency services arrived at Stanwell Park Beach, south of the Royal National Park. Source: wikimedia commons
His body has been taken to the morgue at Wollongong Hospital.
The tragedy highlights the importance of always swimming at patrolled locations, between the red and yellow flags, Mr Turner said.
“The warm season has just begun. It is important to swim between the flags,” Mr Turner said.
The annual report by Surf Life Saving Australia shows 116 of the past year's coastal related deaths were drownings. Source: Getty Images
Here’s how you can keep yourself safe in water at beaches:
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags
- Look and take notice of the signs at the beach
- Ask a lifeguard or lifesaver for safety advice
- Learn how to identify a
- Swim with a friend - never swim or surf alone and children should always be supervised by adults.
- If you need help, stay calm and attract attention by raising your arm above your head
- Never enter the water if you have been drinking alcohol or are under the influence of drugs
- Wear sunscreen, seek shade and stay hydrated
- Boat skippers and rock fishers should check the local forecast and always wear a lifejacket
If witnessing an in-water emergency dial Triple Zero (000) – Police
For information on Beach conditions or to find a patrolled beach near you, check out the or download the .
Here's how to stay safe in swimming pools:
- Take swimming lessons. Most universities and public pools offer cheap lessons for adult beginners. Modest swimwear is available if you’re uncomfortable wearing Australian-style swimming costumes.
- Never jump or dive into water when you don’t know how deep it is. People can be seriously injured or killed if the water is shallower than they think and they hit the bottom.
