Rough Seas Claim Lives: Easter Weekend Drownings Rise to Six Across Australia

A tragic Easter weekend has unfolded along Australia’s eastern coast, as powerful swells and hazardous surf have led to six confirmed drownings, with two people still missing.

The latest incident occurred on Sunday at Wattamolla Beach, south of Sydney. Two individuals were swept into the ocean while fishing from the rocks. Emergency crews and a rescue helicopter managed to pull both from the surf, but one man could not be revived. The survivor, a 14-year-old boy, was taken to hospital and remains in stable condition.

This incident follows a string of coastal fatalities since Good Friday, including:

• Three people drowning in New South Wales

• One woman losing her life near Melbourne

• Another fisherman perishing in southern NSW on Saturday

Despite Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) issuing warnings about dangerous surf and swells reaching 3.5 metres, beachgoers continued venturing into risky areas. The organisation’s CEO, Adam Weir, reminded the public that while exploring Australia’s coastline is a cherished pastime, it comes with hidden dangers. “Stop, Look, Stay Alive,” he urged, emphasizing the need to avoid unpatrolled areas and rocky spots during rough sea conditions.

In the past decade, 630 deaths have occurred at unpatrolled beaches, highlighting the ongoing risk.

Search and rescue operations are still underway, and authorities are urging caution as hazardous conditions are expected to persist through Monday.

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