Two people have drowned off a Shellharbour beach. Photo: Kellie O’Brien.
UPDATED, Wednesday 4:05 pm: NSW Police have confirmed that two people who died after being pulled from the water at Shellharbour South Beach were a married couple from the United Kingdom who were visiting relatives in the area.
Inspector Luke Geradts said authorities were working closely with relatives of the couple, some of whom were on the beach as the tragedy occurred.
He also commended bystanders who stepped in to help.
“I want to take the opportunity to commend the members of the public in particular who assisted in the initial response, including two female off-duty nurses and a young male who pulled the couple from the water and gave the couple the best chance at survival,” he said.
“Although a tragic outcome today, their efforts are to be commended and really did give the couple the best chance.”
The double drowning comes just over a week after two men drowned in the seas south of Kiama.
Inspector Geradts said it was a timely reminder of the dangers and unpredictability of the ocean.
“We really want to encourage people to swim between the flags, swim at a patrolled beach whenever you can.”
Wednesday, 1:30 pm: A man and woman have died after they were pulled from the water at a beach in Shellharbour on Wednesday morning (11 March).
Emergency services were called to Shellharbour South Beach at Boollawarroo Parade, Shell Cove about 11:10 am following reports that two people were struggling in the water.
A 66-year-old man and 64-year-old woman were pulled from the water by members of the public who performed CPR until paramedics arrived.
NSW Ambulance crews, including intensive care paramedics, arrived on the scene a short time later and continued CPR.
The man and woman couldn’t be revived and died at the scene.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
