Sydney student Ayat Hossain remembered for having a ‘big heart’

Sydney teenager Ayat Hossain was enjoying the last of his school holidays when he drowned while swimming with friends at Werri Lagoon on south coast.

Werri beach. Picture: Simon Bullard.

A 14-year-old boy has been remembered as a “kind soul”, after he drowned while swimming with two friends on the state’s south coast on Wednesday.

Sydney student Ayat Hossain was enjoying the last of the school holidays at Werri Lagoon with two friends - aged 16 and 18 - when they were seen in distress by beach goers.

The two older boys were able to make it to shore on their own, while a lifeguard swam to an unresponsive Ayat’s aid.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, however, he was unable to be revived.

The 14-year-old, who was in Year 8 at Malek Fahd Islamic School in Greenacre, has been remembered as a “kind soul” with a “big heart”, by his friends.

Sydney student Ayat Hossain, 14, was swimming at Werri Lagoon with two friends on January 15 when he tragically drowned. Picture: supplied

The Telegraph has been told Ayat and his family had travelled to the South Coast for the day, with his mother seen in tears as paramedics tried to revive her son.

Following the tragedy, Kiama Council Mayor Cameron McDonald urged safe use of our beaches and waterways - saying Ayat’s drowning was the third in the vicinity this summer.

View from the north of Werri Beach at Gerringong on the NSW South Coast.

“Kiama Council Lifeguards, the rescue team, and local helpers are to be commended for their efforts in what has been a difficult season on our beaches and waterways,” Cr McDonald said.

“We urge all visitors and locals to check swim conditions, swim to your abilities, and pay attention to the signs and other safety guidelines.

“Please use our patrolled beaches, swim between the flags and always listen to instructions from our Lifeguards and volunteer Lifesavers.

“Three drownings at Kiama’s beaches this season is three too many - it’s time for immediate action in education and awareness on water safety.”

Originally published as Sydney student Ayat Hossain remembered for having a ‘big heart’