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Sydney woman Gita Platthy remembered after Jan Juc drowning tragedy

A Sydney woman who tragically drowned at Jan Juc beach on the weekend has been remembered as a “deeply loving and amazing” person.

Sydney woman Gita Platthy, 49, tragically drowned at Jan Juc on Saturday. Picture: Supplied
Sydney woman Gita Platthy, 49, tragically drowned at Jan Juc on Saturday. Picture: Supplied

A woman who tragically drowned on the Surf Coast on the weekend has been remembered as a “deeply loving and amazing” person.

Gita Platthy from Sydney was swimming at Jan Juc beach on Saturday afternoon.

But sadly, emergency services pulled her body from the water near the surf life saving club about 1pm.

The 49-year-old had travelled to Victoria with a friend for the Rip Curl Pro surf competition, held at nearby Bells Beach.

It’s understood she had been swimming near rocks at the eastern part of Jan Juc beach.

Police outside the Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club on Saturday. Picture William Keech
Police outside the Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club on Saturday. Picture William Keech

Ms Platthy’s brother, Miklós Platthy, said his sister was a “deeply loving and creative soul”.

“(She) cared passionately for animals, for the earth and for the people around her,” he said.

“She had a strong sense of justice and lived by her values, always standing up for what she believed in.

“She was an amazing aunty, cousin, sister and friend, inspiring the children in her life through her storytelling, her humour and her imagination.

“She had a beautiful way of bringing magic and playfulness into everyday moments.”

Mr Platthy said his sister worked as an environmentalist and nature carer.

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He said she loved to go for walks around Oatley Park and the Georges River, which are about a 40 minute drive south of Sydney.

“Gita loved the ocean and was a strong swimmer,” Mr Platthy said.

“She found joy and freedom in nature and gave her care generously, whether through protecting the environment, looking after animals or offering love and encouragement to those she held dear.

“She will be remembered with warmth, gratitude and deep affection by all who knew her.”

Jan Juc beach is a popular destination for tourists and surfers.

The tragedy came just days after patrols by surf life savers wrapped up for the summer season on Easter Monday.

Originally published as Sydney woman Gita Platthy remembered after Jan Juc drowning tragedy

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/geelong/sydney-woman-gita-platthy-remembered-after-jan-juc-drowning-tragedy/news-story/ee9b7a1a60a09923465d3a213f11665a