Three swimmers die in separate drownings at unpatrolled NSW beaches

In separate incidents over the weekend, three people lost their lives in drownings at unpatrolled beaches in New South Wales. The tragic events occurred at Stockton, near Newcastle, Saltwater Beach, and Cabarita on the Tweed Coast. Surf lifesavers have urged beachgoers to prioritize swimming at patrolled locations. At Saltwater Beach, three brothers believed to be in their 20s were pulled from the water but one could not be revived.

Hours later, at Stockton Beach, another three men, also in their 20s, were pulled from the water by members of the public, but one man succumbed to his injuries. A man in his 50s was rescued from Cabarita Beach on Saturday but later died in a hospital. These fatalities bring the total drowning deaths in the state since July to eight.

The incidents come as a warm spring has seen beachgoers venture into the water early, ahead of the official surf lifesaving patrol season, which begins on September 26. Surf Lifesaving NSW chief executive Steven Pearce described the recent surge in incidents as unprecedented and a harbinger of what the summer might bring, given the forecast for extremely hot weather.

He noted that it has been a long time since such a high number of drownings occurred before the official start of the patrol season. Pearce emphasized the dangers of swimming at unpatrolled locations, stating that these tragedies serve as a grim reminder of the risks involved.