Seven swimmers were pulled from the ocean in a mass rescue off Thirroul Beach yesterday as surf lifesavers were kept on their toes by huge crowds, high temperatures and revellers drinking alcohol.
Surf Life Saving Illawarra director Gerald Davies said seven adults caught around the back of Thirroul Beach were pulled from the surf about 2.30pm.
An hour later, a woman in her 20s was pulled from the surf at the southern end of Wollongong City Beach, near WIN Entertainment Centre.
PHOTO GALLERY: How the region celebrated Australia DayThe woman, who had been immersed in the surf, was taken to Wollongong Hospital by ambulance.
"We have had incredible crowds at all the Illawarra beaches and there have been a lot of people swimming at unpatrolled beaches," Mr Davies said.
Lifesavers were forced to conduct roving patrols beyond the areas marked by the flags.
About 3pm, lifesavers reported up to 200 swimmers at Puckeys Beach, with a number of them affected by alcohol.
"There have been a number of intoxicated people on the beaches and we are just advising people to stay out of the water if they have been drinking," Mr Davies said.
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