Little Bay, Randwick: Man and boy, 9, die after being swept off rocks at Sydney beach

Authorities have revealed tragic details about the father and son who were swept into the sea in Sydney’s east, including the dad’s tragic final act.

A man and a nine-year-old boy have died after they were washed off the rocks while fishing at a popular beach in Sydney’s south east.

Emergency services were called to Little Bay, Randwick, just after 3pm on Monday after reports two people were struggling in the water.

Lifeguards pulled the man – in his 40s – from the water while the nine-year-old boy was winched to a nearby golf course for treatment.

Surf Life Saving New South Wales said a Life Saver Rescue Helicopter winched the child from the water and commenced CPR. The father was retrieved by a Randwick lifeguard jetski. CPR attempts were unsuccessful on both.

Lifesavers said the man may have entered the water to try to rescue the child. It’s unclear if the pair were rock fishing at the time.

“The tragedy took place at the southern end of Little Bay near the golf course and is a popular rock fishing spot. Surf lifesavers have responded to 18 emergency incidents at the location in the last three years,” a spokesman said.

A woman was seen escorted by police who were carrying fishing equipment. Picture: Supplied.

Rescue helicopters were seen around the beach, were they winched the child from the water. Picture: Supplied.

“Surf Life Saving NSW President George Shales who was the Duty Officer attending the incident, extended his condolences to the family of the man and child on behalf of lifesavers.”

One witness told news.com.au that police officers were seen comforting a woman who was with the pair moments before their tragic deaths.

“They’re holding her hand and they have fishing gear,” they said.

“The whole beach [went] silent as they walked through. She could barely walk and looks like she’s in shock.”

Officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command have established a crime scene in the area and authorities will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, with a report prepared for the Coroner.

According to the Randwick City Council, the suburb’s coastline is one of the most dangerous rock fishing areas in the country, with 18 recorded rock fishing fatalities in the Randwick City area over the recent years.

In 2018 the LGA became the first to implement compulsory lifejacket laws which require people who rock fish to wear appropriate lifejacket.

It’s unknown whether the man or child were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.

More to come