Seven Lives Lost to Drowning in Australia, Including Young Child

A nine-year-old boy has become the seventh drowning victim in Australia over the Easter long weekend, following a spate of fatal incidents along the country’s coastline.

The child was trapped between rocks at South West Rocks, about 400km north of Sydney, before emergency crews retrieved him. Despite resuscitation efforts, he died at the scene.

Most fatalities occurred after powerful swells swept people off rocks into the ocean. Among the victims were a father and son found floating near Wattamolla Beach, south of Sydney, on Sunday. While the 14-year-old son was revived, his father could not be saved.

In Victoria, search efforts continue for a 41-year-old man who disappeared near San Remo on Friday. Surf Life Saving New South Wales (SLSNSW) reported more than 150 rescues since Good Friday, calling it the worst Easter drowning toll on record.

Steven Pearce, CEO of SLSNSW, attributed the spike in drownings to a deadly mix of warm holiday weather, large crowds, and hazardous surf conditions.

“It has just been horrendous on a weekend that’s supposed to be joyous and religious,” Pearce told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Authorities warned beachgoers to remain cautious, even as weather conditions were expected to improve Monday.

According to Royal Life Saving Australia, 323 people drowned nationwide in the 12 months leading to June 2024—nearly 40% of them in New South Wales. The figure includes deaths at beaches, rivers, and lakes.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended condolences to grieving families, urging extra vigilance near water. “Please, everyone, be careful. Families in particular, be careful of your kids,” he said.