Public holidays, weather warnings and water are a terrible combination, and when the three ingredients come together, anyone who works in emergency services knows that something heartbreaking will happen.
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On Anzac Day 2022, a hazardous surf warning was issued for the Illawarra. The dreary weather meant local volunteer lifesavers had a little respite on the last day of patrol for the region's beaches. The crowds stayed away, and as a result, many breathed a sigh of relief.
The weather warning meant the popular boat ramps like Bellambi were quiet; by 3pm it looked like we'd gotten through the public holiday without any significant rescues.
For Brenden Buxton-Hurd it was a typical fishing day. The Berkeley 19-year-old was a regular to Port Kembla's fishing spots.
Exactly what happened on Monday afternoon is likely something we'll never know, but somehow Brenden ended up in the water, and two of his friends jumped in to rescue him.
His friends managed to get out alive, but a recovery operation is currently underway to find Brenden's body.
Over the last year, six people have died at Hill 60.
It's a notorious fishing spot known for both its quality and quantity of fishing - and its deadliness.
Over the years, signage has been put on the site, but Hill 60 has never been declared as an area where a life jacket must be worn under the NSW Rock Fishing Safety Act.
Wollongong City Council councillors discussed it in February 2021, but they decided to review the act and safety measures instead.
Yesterday Wollongong Mayor Gordon Bradbury said the council was awaiting a coroner's report to be handed down on a Hill 60 incident from last year before any further discussion on the matter.
Today, the Illawarra Mercury asks how many more have to die before taking steps to declare the area a lifejacket zone?
According to research by Shellharbour Council, policing a lifejacket mandate would cost $100,000 a year.
That works out as $16,666 a life for Hill 60 alone. Every penny is worth it.
- Gayle Tomlinson
