A nine-year-old boy died after getting trapped between rocks in New South Wales as dangerous surf conditions battered Australia’s eastern shoreline over the Easter weekend, leading to at least seven deaths. Emergency services were called to South West Rocks on Sunday afternoon but despite efforts by police and Surf Life Saving crews, the boy could not be saved and died at the scene. “It’s extremely tragic, it’s the worst drownings we’ve seen on the Easter long weekend,” said Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steven Pearce, adding that volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards had carried out more than 150 rescues since Good Friday.
The series of drownings has coincided with powerful surf generated by Cyclone Tam, which triggered hazardous conditions along the coasts of New South Wales and Victoria. The Australian weather bureau had warned of large waves and strong winds from Thursday through the weekend, with dangerous conditions expected to continue into Monday in some areas. Among the incidents still under investigation are the cases of two missing men, one a 24-year-old swept off rocks by a wave at Little Bay in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on Friday, and another, a 41-year-old man who disappeared near San Remo in Victoria. The latter was part of a group of Chinese nationals from Pakenham as three members of the group were knocked into the sea by a wave. One woman was rescued, but the man's wife drowned at the scene. In another incident on Friday morning, a 58-year-old fisherman died after being swept into the water at Wollongong Harbour. On the same day, a man drowned at Mosman, on Sydney’s north shore, while another fisher was reported dead near Green Cape, on the NSW south coast.
On Sunday, rescue crews were called to Wattamolla in Sydney’s Royal National Park, where two men were swept off rocks while fishing. They were winched from the water, but one could not be revived and was declared dead at the scene. Authorities have urged caution during the remainder of the long weekend, with police and safety organizations warning that rock fishing, swimming, and coastal sightseeing remain extremely hazardous. “Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as crossing bars by boat and rock fishing,” NSW Police said on X. “If in doubt, don’t go.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking from Batemans Bay on Monday, offered condolences to the families affected. “Australians love the water, we love the surf. Please, everyone, be careful. Families in particular, be careful of your kids.” Royal Life Saving Australia CEO Justin Carr said the tragic toll had occurred during extreme weather when many people were engaging in risky activities, such as venturing onto rocky shelves or standing too close to the edge to photograph large swells. On average, six people drown over the Easter long weekend each year, according to Royal Life Saving data.
As the Easter weekend unfolded, the tragic incidents highlighted the dangers of the ocean, particularly during severe weather conditions. The boy’s death marked a grim milestone as he became the seventh person to drown during this holiday period, a time typically associated with family gatherings and outdoor activities. The majority of the drownings were attributed to strong swells that washed individuals off rocks and into the turbulent waters below.
In a heartbreaking account, the emergency services were alerted to the boy’s situation around 3:30 PM on Sunday. Despite the rapid response from local police and Surf Life Saving teams, the boy was pronounced dead at the scene. Earlier that same day, a helicopter rescue operation at Wattamolla Beach revealed a father and son struggling in the surf. The 14-year-old boy was successfully resuscitated, but his father tragically did not survive.
Authorities have expressed deep concern over the rising number of drowning incidents, with many attributing the spike to a combination of high temperatures, holiday festivities, and perilous ocean conditions. “It has just been horrendous on a weekend that's supposed to be joyous and religious,” Pearce remarked, emphasizing the importance of safety precautions when visiting coastal areas.
In addition to the fatalities, two individuals remain missing, including a 41-year-old man who disappeared near San Remo, Victoria. This incident involved a group of friends who were swept into the water by a sudden wave, resulting in one woman being rescued while another drowned. Rescue efforts are ongoing to locate the missing individuals, with authorities urging beachgoers to remain vigilant and prioritize safety.
The tragic events of this Easter weekend have reignited discussions around water safety and the need for heightened awareness, particularly during extreme weather events. Surf Life Saving NSW has reiterated its commitment to ensuring public safety, urging people to avoid risky behaviors such as rock fishing and getting too close to the water’s edge for photographs.
As the situation unfolds, Prime Minister Albanese’s message resonates with many: “These are tragic events. Australians love the water. We love the surf. I'm one of those. But please, everyone, be careful, families in particular, to be careful of your kids.” The Easter long weekend, typically a time for celebration and family bonding, has turned into a somber reminder of the ocean's unpredictable nature and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines.
With the weather forecast indicating an improvement in conditions, authorities are hopeful that the remaining days of the long weekend will see a decrease in incidents. However, they continue to stress the importance of caution and preparedness when engaging in coastal activities. As families gather to enjoy the holiday, the message is clear: safety must come first.
