Surf Beach: New details emerge in “chaotic” Easter Sunday rescue after woman, 41, dies

Bystanders trying to help swimmers in distress themselves became caught in a deadly rip that claimed the life of a 41-year-old Canberra woman at a popular south coast beach on Sunday.

A 41-year-old Canberra woman has died after a group of swimmers became caught in a rip at a popular south coast beach, with new details emerging into the “chaotic” rescue.

Paramedics were called to Surf Beach south of Batemans Bay at around 2pm on Easter Sunday after reports a group of up to ten people were in distress.

Eight ambulance road crews and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter were rushed to the scene, with assistance from Surf Life Saving Far South Coast volunteers from nearby Malua Bay.

When rescue crews arrived, Surf Life Saving Far South Coast director Cheryl McCarthy said there were four people on bodyboards caught in the rough surf, as well as other beachgoers.

“There were a number of members of the public and bystanders on the beach who went in to assist them, and they were also caught up in that same rip,” Ms McCarthy said.

NSW Ambulance crews took over from Surf Life Savers who had helped rescue ten people with assistance from the public and brought them back to shore.

They had also pulled the Canberra woman from the surf where she had gone into cardiac arrest. Medics performed CPR before transporting her to Batemans Bay Hospital in a critical condition.

She later died at the hospital.

Another two swimmers, a man believed to be in his 40s and a woman in her 30s, were also transported to Batemans Bay Hospital. The woman has since been released, while the man is in a stable condition, according to a NSW Health spokesperson.

A fourth man, also believed to be in his 40s, was taken to Moruya Hospital, south of Batemans Bay, where he remained on Monday, according to the spokesperson.

The other swimmers at the scene were assessed and did not require hospitalisation.

NSW Ambulance inspector Faye Stockman described Sunday’s scenes as “chaotic”, with droves of beachgoers travelling to the popular seaside spot after months of wet weather.

“Paramedics arrived to a very chaotic scene with a number of people requiring medical attention for various conditions,” Ms Stockman said.

“All of the patients were out of the water when ambulance crews arrived and three members of the public were attempting CPR on a female who had suffered a cardiac arrest.

“It’s truly heartbreaking to have lost a life here today, especially knowing this group of people was likely enjoying an extended break for the holiday weekend.”

Liberal candidate for Gilmore, Andrew Constance said it was a sad day for the region.

“It was a mass rescue operation and to the surf lifesavers and members of the community involved you are very brave and wonderful souls who again have our enormous praise and gratitude,” he said.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter

Eurobodalla Mayor Matthew Hatcher echoed those sentiments.

“Our thoughts are with those that lost a loved one today and those still in hospital,” Mr Hatcher said.

On Monday, many beachgoers returned to the popular swimming spot.

According to a statement, seven beaches across the far south coast would be patrolled by Surf Life Saving according to regular holiday shifts, including patrols at nearby Malua Bay between 10am-2pm.

Between Batemans Bay and Pambula, some 2 hours away by car, only seven surf life saving branches operate, including in Broulee, Moruya, Narooma, and Tathra.

Ms McCarthy said life saving crews were working hard during the long weekend with visitor numbers skyrocketing.

“We have lots of visitors this weekend, which is fantastic for our region,” she said, “but sometimes that brings with it people who are not as familiar with the ocean.

“Our challenge is that we have in our branches is some of the distances we have to cover are large.”

Ms McCarthy said the life saving teams were well trained, but that such rescue operations did have an effect on the often young volunteer crews.

“It‘s tough on everyone involved,” she said.

“But, we have a really strong member welfare system. We have welfare officers that have already checked in with the team as they were coming out of the water yesterday, and will continue to stay in touch with them over the days, weeks, and even months ahead.”

The Batemans Bay branch of the life saving organisation is based out of Malua Bay, nearby to the bigger and more popular Surf Beach.

Ms McCarthy said that the Malua Bay club had been established decades ago, and that the popularity of some areas, including Surf Beach, had changed since then.

“Over time, visitation evolves, and people pick their favourite beaches,” she said.

“Unfortunately, we are never going to be able to cover all of them with our volunteers.”

The Westpac rescue helicopter on scene at Surf Beach.

In the wake of the shocking news, many locals took to social media on Easter Monday to express their dismay at an unfortunately too common occurrence.

Julia Bennett said it was an “absolute” tragedy.

“My sincere condolences to the family and friends,” she said.

“I hope first responders receive counselling.”

Trixy Reedy urged residents and visitors alike to be aware of the risks and to only swim between the flags.

“Please swim at beaches that are patrolled,” she said.

Matt Pearce said: “Very sad, but I will say Surf Beach is very unpredictable.

“Every holiday season emergency rescue is down here.

“If you‘re not a strong swimmer, be wary.”

Only days earlier, local Fire and Rescue NSW and life saving crews were dispatched in a multi-agency rescue operation in Malua Bay when it was reported that a person was calling for help from the rocks.

Paramedics hold a flare to alert the rescue helicopter as to the location of the incident.

“Our crew gained access to the patient who was injured on the rocks and assisted Surf Life Saving Australia provide initial first aid treatment and oxygen therapy until the arrival of doctors who were winched down from the aircraft,” according to a statement by FRNSW.

“Our crew worked alongside the other services on scene to secure the patient so Toll Ambulance Rescue could safely winch him from the rocks and fly him to Canberra Hospital for further treatment.”