Beachgoers are being urged to be careful in Friday’s heat wave conditions after a tragic drowning in the Royal National Park on Thursday night.
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A 20-year-old man drowned after jumping from the cliff into a lagoon at Wattamolla Beach just before 7pm.
Two other men, 19 and 21, were rescued by friends and taken to hospital in a stable condition. The body of the third man was recovered by paramedics after being spotted by a police helicopter.
A Surf Life Saving duty officer was able to get to the scene quickly and assisted police with the recovery of the body.
Police and Surf Life Saving NSW are urging members of the community to be extremely careful when swimming in areas that are not patrolled by lifeguards or lifesavers.
Inspector Christopher Hill from Sutherland Police Area Command said visitors to the area need to obey warning signs erected by the National Parks and Wildlife Service when swimming at Wattamolla.
“This tragic death is another reminder of how the enjoyment of swimming at these spectacular locations can quickly become deadly,” Inspector Christopher Hill said.
Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.
With extreme weather conditions forecast today Surf Life Saving NSW is highlighting the need for people to make sensible decisions as the weather heats up.
Chief executive Steven Pearce is urging caution for those heading to waterways to cool off over the next few days.
"It's important people put safety first when near the water," he said.
"Don't overestimate your abilities or underestimate the conditions, whether it's on our beaches or on inland waterways. Head to a patrolled beach, especially if you're not a strong swimmer," he said.
"This is an extremely sad outcome and our thoughts are with the man's family at this time."
On Thursday the three surf clubs in the Royal National Park were presented with new satellite phone equipment to combat the isolated location, through funding from the local member and the NSW Government.
Mr Pearce said it was hoped this gear will contribute to the safety of the public during incidents in the park over the summer.
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
