Rip Current Claims Life of 52-Year-Old Man at Kiama’s South Bombo Beach
As the sun began to set on Boxing Day, a fun-filled day at the beach turned into a tragedy at Kiama’s South Bombo Beach on the NSW South Coast. A 52-year-old man lost his life after being caught in a powerful rip current, leaving his family and the community in shock.
Desperate Efforts to Save Lives
Emergency services received a distressing call just before 5 pm on Thursday, reporting that members of the public were performing CPR on a man who had been pulled from the water. Police sprang into action, assisting with CPR until the NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived at the scene.
Tragedy Strikes Despite Brave Efforts
Despite the valiant efforts of the emergency responders and bystanders, the 52-year-old man could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk beneath the surface of our beautiful beaches.
What Happened
According to police, the man was swimming in the surf with an 18-year-old male relative when they got caught in the rip current. Several brave beachgoers rushed into the water and managed to pull the pair to safety. Fortunately, the 18-year-old was uninjured.
Another Tragic Incident in the Region
This incident comes just days after a woman drowned at an unpatrolled section of Werri Beach at Gerringong on Saturday. The series of incidents highlights the importance of beach safety and the need for vigilance when enjoying our beautiful coastlines.
Remembering the Victim
A report will be prepared for the coroner, but for now, our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the man who lost his life. As we head into the peak summer season, let’s take a moment to reflect on the importance of beach safety and look out for each other when enjoying the sun, sand, and surf.