Coroner delivers warning for beachgoers after four killed in Phillip Island tragedy

The warning comes after the group decided to go for a quick dip before being caught in a rip.

A Victorian coroner has issued an urgent reminder for beachgoers to be aware of the risks after four family members drowned in a tragic loss of life.

Reema Sondhi, 42, Kirti Bedi, 20, and siblings Suhani Anand, 20, and Jagjeet Singh Anand, 23, were caught in a deadly rip while visiting Forrest Caves Beach in Newhaven on January 24.

The quartet were among a group of nine family members on a day trip to Phillip Island from Melbourne when they stopped by the beach to eat their lunch.

During an impromptu dip, five adults were swept out of the shallows with only one, Sanjeev Sondhi, able to make it back to shore.

The stairs accessing Forrest Caves Beach on Phillip Island. Picture: NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

The three women were pulled from the water by others at the beach, while Mr Anand

The four deaths were investigated by Coroner Sarah Gilbert who this week delivered an plea for caution at Australian beaches this summer.

“There is no one easy solution to prevent ongoing fatal drownings,” she said.

“Education about water awareness and safety is paramount.

“I implore the Victorian community and visitors to our state to be aware of the risks of Australian beaches and take precaution where needed.”

Suhani Anand, 20, was a nursing student hand had arrived in Australia in late 2022. Picture: Supplied

Jagjeet Singh, 23, was a registered nurse. Picture: Supplied

Coroner Gilbert found that while there was prominent warning signs stating the beach was not patrolled, had dangerous currents and submerged objects, surviving family told police they did not notice any signs on their journey from the carpark.

“It appears that in many cases, including this coronial investigation, clear signage warning of risks alone is inadequate,” she said.

The coroner noted that almost half of all unintentional drowning victims in Victorian waterways since July 2014 had been born overseas.

“Persons born overseas who visit or reside in Australia are unlikely to be familiar with the risks posed by beaches nor how to respond – education we often repeatedly receive as children as part of our early childhood education,” she said.

Reema Sondhi was visiting her brother and extended family from India. Picture: Supplied.

Kitri Bedi 20, was studying a Bachelor of Psychology at Deakin University. Picture: Supplied

She recognised that Life Saving Victoria and the Multicultural Engagement Network were engaged in “concerted efforts” to address the risk to beachgoers born overseas.

In a statement to the investigation, Detective Senior Constable Kane Treloar said the evidence showed a “single primary rip that was in effect at the time of the incident”.

“The dark water at the front of the rip would have appeared inviting to those of limited swimming ability,” the report notes.

“The areas where broken waves were located would actually have been a much safer place to swim as the currents would have pushed any swimmers back towards the shore.”

There was a warning sign at the carpark. Picture: NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

Constable Treloar noted each had limited or no swimming ability and likely believed the water was safe to swim in as it appeared calm.

“Only an experienced swimmer with experience and understanding of rips would have been able to extricate themselves,” he said.

Coroner Gilbert flagged beachgoers should use the BeachSafe app which provides information in multiple languages to help make educated decisions.