Authorities Issue Water Safety Warning in Maroubra and NSW Waterways

Maroubra locals are urged to take extra caution and be mindful of water safety, following a number of incidents across the state’s waterways.

On Sunday, 2 January 2022, two fishermen were rescued in Maroubra after their boat capsized in the early morning. Marine Area Commander Superintendent Murray Reynolds said it was not the only accident that happened in the last few days.

That same Sunday at noon, the police and the NSW Surf Lifesavers were called to Windang Island after a 21-year-old man, who was fishing on the rocks, was swept in the water. He easn’t wearing a life jacket. His body was located at 1:20 p.m.

Prior to these accidents, three people also drowned in the waters of NSW, including a 15-year-old boy who was swimming at Shoalhaven River.

“The most difficult part of our work is when someone dies or is seriously injured and we know it could have been prevented,” said Mr Reynolds.

“These deaths are incredibly tragic. Our heart goes out to the loved ones of the people who recently lost their lives in the water.

“We’re asking the community to help us keep you safe, always assess the environment and take simple precautions to prevent tragedy.”

Per the authorities, below are the things to remember:

Avoid the water if you do not know how to swim.
Swim only in areas where there are patrols or between the lifeguards’ red and yellow flags
Wear a lifejacket if you’re out fishing or riding a boat.
Don’t swim at night.
Be mindful of the rips.

The authorities also said to check the water conditions and the weather before heading out. Remember that these conditions are unpredictable so when in doubt, it’s better to cancel plans than to proceed.

water safety at Maroubra beach — Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Steve Pearce, the CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW, said it’s extra challenging to rescue people during the busiest time of the year at the beaches. NSW locals, however, are fortunate to have “fantastically skilled and resourced lifesavers and lifeguard services up and down our coastline.”