Wappa Falls, a notorious swimming spot in Queensland, has reopened after a tragic incident claimed the lives of two Sunshine Coast teenagers.
The double fatality brings the total number of deaths at the waterfall to at least five since 2007.
What Happened?
On Sunday afternoon, emergency services rushed to Wappa Falls near Yandina after reports of two people disappearing in the water.
A 17-year-old girl was swimming in the area when she was swept downstream and over the waterfall at around 2:30 pm.
Despite efforts to rescue her, she did not resurface. A 17-year-old boy jumped in to try and save her but also failed to resurface.
A massive search and rescue operation was launched, with assistance from the Queensland Fire Department’s swift water rescue team.
The girl’s body was found in the water at around 3:30 pm, and police divers located the boy’s body at around 7:30 pm.
A History of Tragedy
Sadly, this is not the first time Wappa Falls has claimed lives. In 2022, a man drowned while trying to save a child who slipped into the waterfall.
In 2010, a 15-year-old boy died at Wappa Falls, following the death of another 15-year-old boy in 2007. A plaque commemorates the death of Dominic Hayes, who died at Wappa Falls in 2007.
Warning Signs and Safety Measures
Maroochydore local Connor Walsh, who has swum at Wappa Falls many times, believes that signs warning about the dangers of swimming in the area do help, but the spot remains popular.
“So many people come here when it’s calm, and this whole car park will be packed with cars and families,” Mr. Walsh said. “When it’s calm, it’s a beautiful waterhole.”
Owen Bennedick, owner of the Wappa Falls Observatory, has lived in the area for 40 years and says that Wappa Falls has been known for previous drowning incidents.
“We always know when it’s going on because there’s helicopter, police, fire, and ambulance, and swift water rescue,” Mr. Bennedick said. “If you put fences or anything around it, they’ll just climb over the fences.”
Drowning Statistics
According to the Royal Life Saving Society’s National Drowning Report, 39 people aged 15 to 25 years old drowned between 2023 and 2024, a 22% increase on the 10-year average.
Thirty-one percent of those deaths occurred in rivers or creeks, and people aged 15 to 24 made up 11% of all drowning deaths.
As Wappa Falls reopens, it’s essential to remember the dangers of swimming in this area and to exercise caution when visiting.
Our thoughts are with the families of the two teenagers who lost their lives in this tragic incident.