Participant in the Fannie Bay Swim passes away

Darwin’s swimming community is heartbroken following the death of a participant at the Fannie Bay Swim. The man was found by fellow swimmers after understood to have had a heart attack.

A man has died after participating in the Fannie Bay swim. Picture: Che Chorley

THE Top End’s swimming community is heartbroken after a beloved committee member of the Darwin Surf Life Saving Club passed away at the Fannie Bay Swim Classic.

Emergency services were called to the Darwin Trailer Boat Club on Sunday morning after a male a committee member of the Club had a heart attack during the swim.

Darwin Surf Life Saving Club president Ray Hall was in tears recalling the moment the man was found.

“He was found by swimmers. Water Safety got to him immediately and someone was doing CPR on the rubber ducky on the way in at end of the shore. They were both medical people, got to shore and were inundated by doctors,” he said.

“(There was) fantastic care immediately.”

Mr Hall said the man’s wife, daughter and their family were in attendance and that the man was a treasured member of the community.

“We’re all in shock, (his) family are all here and we’re all giving them support,’ he said.

“We’re really sad.

“It’s a shock. We do a lot of lifesaving type activities but when you actually have to actually do it, it’s a real rarity and when it doesn’t turn out well it's a real shame.

“He was a committed boatrower and active member.”

Mr Hall said the remainder of the event was cancelled, out of respect for the family.

Lifesavers were seen embracing each other afterwards, in what was a sombre end to the event.

Police officers were seen discussing the matter on the beach, while loved ones surrounded the man.

The scene was cleared by early Sunday afternoon.

The event is the only open water ocean swim in Darwin and this year’s marked the 16th annual classic.

Originally published as Participant in the Fannie Bay Swim passes away