An IRB was deployed from Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club after a man was reported missing – unfortunately his body was found shortly afterwards. Photo: Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club.
Two people have drowned near Kiama on the last weekend of summer.
Life savers have urged beachgoers to be aware of conditions and take basic safety precautions after two men died in separate incidents on Sunday (1 March).
A spokesperson for Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) said they were alerted to a potential incident at Mermaids Inlet, south of Kiama, just before midday.
A rock fisher was reported to have fallen off a rock platform and into the surf.
The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter and a jetski from nearby club, Nowra Culburra SLSC were sent to the scene and a man was later winched from the water and declared dead.
It’s understood the man was not wearing a life jacket.
At about 5 pm, a report came into SLSNSW to inform them a member of the public had gone missing in Kiama Downs, and their belongings were left unattended for a period of time.
It was unknown whether the person had entered the water.
An Inflatable Rescue Boat was launched from Kiama Downs surf club and found a male floating face down in the water.
He was retrieved unconscious and not breathing, and CPR was commenced by volunteer surf lifesavers on the beach.
They performed CPR for approximately 40 minutes.
NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived on scene to continue CPR attempts, however the man was later declared dead on scene.
The deaths come after Surf Life Saving Australia released the National Summer Drowning Report, which showed that in NSW there were 19 coastal and ocean drownings between 1 December 2025 and 28 February 2026.
This was a five per cent decrease on the previous year and below the 10-year average of 20 summer drowning deaths.
The total drowning figure for the financial year paints a far more serious picture.
Since 1 July 2025, 42 people have drowned in NSW, and SLSNSW CEO Steve Pearce said this was a significant spike on the same time last year and the rolling three-year average.
“This is a tragic end to the summer period,” Mr Pearce said.
“While both drownings fell on the first day of autumn, we are still experiencing very warm days and many people are recreating along our coastline, with lifesavers out in full force for the next two months to ensure people are safe when they visit the beach.
“These incidents both occurred away from lifesaving assets and are a terrible reminder of two extremely important things to consider when you visit the coastline.
“Swim at a patrolled location between the red and yellow flags, and it’s imperative to wear a life jacket when you go rock fishing or visit a rock platform.”
