Mosman: Two teens hospitalised after beach party at Whiting Beach
Two teenagers were taken to hospital after an unauthorised party was staged at a beach on Sydney’s north shore – sparking calls among residents for a night curfew to deter public gatherings.
Mosman
Don't miss out on the headlines from Mosman. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Brutal or beautiful? Campaign to save ‘iconic’ Sydney tower
- ‘A mockery’: Backlash over fast-tracked plan for 6800 units
Calls are growing for a “night curfew” at a beach on Sydney’s lower north shore after a group of up to 40 teenager partygoers gathered at the site in breach of COVID-19 restrictions.
NSW Police descended on Whiting Beach in Mosman on Saturday night after reports two teenage girls at the unauthorised party became unconscious after drinking too much alcohol.
The girls – both aged 16 – were taken to Royal North Shore Hospital in a stable condition and were discharged later that night, the local health district confirmed.
North Shore Police said it was understood approximately 20-40 young people were drinking alcohol at the secluded beach before the girls became unconscious and required medical attention.
Firefighters had to been called in to assist with the rescue due to the site’s precarious access arrangements, involving a sharp descent down 50 steps from Athol Wharf Rd near Taronga Zoo.
A police spokeswoman said many of the partygoers had left the scene before emergency services arrived. An investigation was continuing on Monday.
The incident has sparked a flurry of social media comments, with residents expressing dismay and some labelling it as “a day of shame for Mosman”.
“Sadly (Whiting Beach) is a hotspot for Mosman kids because it’s so secluded,” one resident said.
“My recommendation is for a night curfew on the beach from 6pm until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.”
A spokeswoman for Taronga Zoo – which manages the maintenance beach – said the site was classified public land meaning enforcement on social gatherings was outside its remit.
Police have encouraged anyone to report suspected breaches of health restrictions after a string of similar incidents on the north shore.
Liquor and Gaming NSW on Friday said an investigation has been launched after receiving footage of long queues of pubgoers flocking to the Greengate Hotel in Killara last week.
“It beggars belief that anyone would want to eat, drink and mingle, shoulder to shoulder with others during a pandemic,” LGNSW director of compliance Peter Dunphy said.
Mosman Council has also increased patrols at beaches including Balmoral after large crowds descended on the popular harbour spot in May.