Four rescued, in two incidents, off North Wollongong Beach

Crowds watched at North Wollongong Beach as the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter searched for any stranded swimmers after four people were rescued on Tuesday evening.

The NSW Surf Life Saving’s tough summer continued with four people rescued off North Wollongong Beach on Tuesday evening.

Lifeguards saved two people who were caught offshore late in the afternoon before another two people were seen to be in distress around 6pm.

Surf Life Savers have been busy this holiday period. Picture: Dylan Arvela

This pair were saved by a couple of bodyboarders, however, crowds watched on as the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter surveyed the rough waters to ensure everyone was accounted for.

“We had reports from the public who had seen two people in distress,” Surf Life Saving Illawarra duty officer Matt Lumby said.

“They were saved by lifeguards and then there were reports of another two people in distress and two bodyboarders actually saved them.

“At about 6.30pm, the helicopter went up and had a look just to make sure there were no extra missing persons.”

Tuesday evening’s events come after a difficult period in NSW waters, including a rock fisherman dying after being swept off Windang Island on Sunday.

The man’s death came a day after the boy of a 15-year-old boy was pulled from the Shoalhaven River, near Nowra.

The teenager had been swimming with a 16-year-old boy at Burrier on New Year’s Eve when he disappeared below the water.

The Westpac helicopter looks for anyone in distress. Picture: Dylan Arvela

There has also been a number of other successful rescues undertaken including two swimmers caught in a rip off Little Austinmer Beach and a young girl who required CPR at Windang.

The incidents come as Surf Life Saving NSW is stretched not only by the demands of summer, but the pressures of Covid-19 with a lack of volunteers due to illness or being a close contract.

SLSNSW president George Charles fronted media on Tuesday to urge beachgoers to be cautious when entering the water.

“We understand that people want to get out and enjoy the surf and enjoy the sun, but we would ask you take precautions across the state,” he said.

“We want you to enjoy yourself, we want you to have fun but ultimately we want you to go home to your friends and family.”