If you were planning a trip to Maroubra Beach in Sydney’s east on Monday, you might have been in for a surprise.
Just after 3:20 pm, the shark alarm sounded, sending a wave of panic through the crowd.
But, as it turns out, it wasn’t a shark that caused the commotion – it was something just as deadly: a flash rip.
What Happened?
More than 20 swimmers were caught in the powerful rip, prompting a mass rescue operation.
Luckily, the volunteer lifeguards at Maroubra Beach Surf Life Saving Club sprang into action, retrieving all the swimmers safely despite the challenging conditions.
The spokesman for the club described the scene as “tricky,” with the shark alarm being used to clear the water while the flags were relocated further along the beach.
A Tense Few Moments
But that wasn’t the end of it. Another 10 swimmers were rescued in a second mass rescue operation after the flags were relocated.
The spokesman praised the swift response of the lifesavers and lifeguards, saying it was crucial in ensuring everyone had a safe swim.
The beach was eventually closed at 6 pm, with further rescues and preventive actions taken throughout the day.
A Warning to Beachgoers
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being aware of your surroundings and following the instructions of lifeguards.
Flash rips can be deadly, and it’s crucial to know how to identify and respond to them. So, the next time you’re heading to the beach, make sure to check the conditions and follow the safety guidelines.