Man dies while trying to save boy from drowning at Gwandalan

A man has died while trying to save a four-year-old from drowning after they fell into the water while kayaking on the state’s Central Coast.

A man has died after a tragic kayaking incident at Gwandalan. Picture: Supplied

A 33-year-old man has died while treading water to keep a child afloat after they fell from a kayak on the Central Coast.

Emergency sources say the man was holding the four-year-old boy up to keep him from drowning after the accident at Gwandalan about 5.30pm on Friday.

Both were dragged from the water by members of the public to a parkland area on Koowong Rd.

They attempted CPR until paramedics arrived and took over but the man died at the scene.

The child was assessed by paramedics but was uninjured.

“It appears the man has heroically held the young boy above the water when they’ve tipped over, saving his life. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of bystanders and paramedics, the man was unable to be revived,” NSW Ambulance Inspector Andrew Craig said.

“It was a very emotional scene and bystanders had done an excellent job in rendering first aid to the patient before paramedics arrived.

“With the warmer weather fast approaching it’s a tragic reminder of how dangerous the water can be and how quickly things can change.”

Police are investigating the tragic incident and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

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