A woman who drowned on the South Coast on Tuesday (19 March) was a well-loved Wollongong nurse.
Yuliya Pashkovska was camping at Pebbly Beach north of Batemans Bay with her husband and two children when she got into trouble in the water.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services and members of the public, she died at the scene.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District Chief Executive, Margot Mains paid tribute to the hard-working nurse on Friday (22 March).
“Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District was shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of well-loved Wollongong Hospital nurse, Yuliya Pashkovska,” she said.
“On behalf of the Local Health District, I extend my deepest sympathies to Yuliya’s husband, Oleg and their family.
“We continue to support our staff at this difficult time.”
Emergency services were called to Pebbly Beach, Durras North, at about 1:15 pm on Tuesday and found Yuliya unconscious in the water.
Two surfers managed to drag her onto their boards and began to administer CPR, before the Westpac helicopter winched her to the shore.
Paramedics continued CPR however Yuliya could not be resuscitated and died at the scene.
Surf Life Saving NSW initially reported Yuliya was attempting to save her daughter when she drowned, however NSW Police and NSW Ambulance have since said that was not the case.
“We do not have reports of anyone else in the water at the time, and no one else received treatment on the scene,” a NSW Police spokesperson said.
Additionally, it is understood both Yuliya’s children are sons.
Friends have set up a GoFundMe to help support Yuliya’s family. To contribute, head to: Fundraiser by Alena Chouvaeva : Yuliya Pashkovska (gofundme.com)
The incident brings the drowning toll from 1 July 2023 to 40.
Officers from the South Coast Police District will prepare a report for the coroner.