Terrigal: Snorkeller drowns off The Skillion
Details have emerged about a snorkeller believed to be in his 50s or 60s who drowned off The Skillion, including that he was “fully dressed” in jeans and a shirt.
Central Coast
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A man, aged in his 50s or 60s, is dead after getting into difficulty while snorkelling off The Skillion.
Emergency services were called shortly after 6pm yesterday after two people spotted the man waving in distress off the rock shelf between the dog-friendly hill to the north and The Skillion to the south.
A Central Coast Surf Life Saving spokesman said the two members of the public managed to get him ashore and commenced CPR but he was pronounced dead when paramedics arrived.
The spokesman said the man, aged in his 50s or 60s, was snorkelling “fully dressed” in jeans and a shirt.
It comes as Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) issued a warning ahead of tomorrow’s looming heatwave.
“We want everyone to have a safe and happy Christmas break and we want to avoid last year’s terrible summer drowning toll,” SLSNSW director of lifesaving Joel Wiseman said.
“With a heatwave on the way, heat exhaustion is a very real risk and we would urge everyone to ensure that they are drinking plenty of water, reapplying sunscreen regularly, and stay out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day.”
“If you become distressed we advise seeking treatment immediately from a lifesaver or lifeguard and watch out for older people and children in particular.
“Leading into Christmas and the New Year, we have a very simple message. Enjoy the water but do so safely by swimming at a patrolled location, wear a lifejacket if boating or rock fishing and always supervise children around water.”
Surf conditions over the next few days are expected to be moderate with waves less than 1m in size.
“Even benign surf conditions should not be underestimated,” Mr Wiseman said.
“Hazards such as rip currents are present at beaches most of the time and are the number one cause of coastal drownings each year.”