The search for a swimmer feared drowned off Wollongong’s City Beach on Monday was a ‘‘false alarm’’ triggered by a towel on the sand.
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The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter was called to assist after a swimmer was reported missing about 7.45am.
Wollongong police duty officer Inspector Jim Fryday said a towel left on the beach prompted an emergency response that included the helicopter, police and Wollongong City Council lifeguards.
Initial information suggested a man had reportedly been seen entering the water and failed to return.
Coloured dye was dropped in the water to detect its current, while the helicopter, jet-skis and a police boat conducted a number of sweeps along the coast.
A fisherman spoken to by the Mercury said he had been on the beach since sunrise and hadn’t seen anyone go into the ocean.
