Ettalong drowning is Peninsula's second in two weeks
A man in his 30s has drowned near Ettalong Point on Saturday in the second drowning on the Peninsula over the Christmas period.
The drowning is the third in the same period if nearby beaches are included.
A man drowned at Umina Beach and another at Copacabana Beach within hours of each other on Christmas Day.
The three deaths represent one third of the nine NSW coastal drownings this summer.
No details of the two men who drowned on the Peninsula beaches have been released, other than the approximate age of one of them.
However, Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Mr Steve Pearce has implied both men were from Peninsula families.
He said: "The families and the local community between Umina and Ettalong ... need time to reflect on these events and grieve the loss of loved ones."
He was "calling for calm along the Central Coast".
The Ettalong drowning occurred at about 2:30pm on Saturday when the man and a 10-year-old child were seen in distress, 50 metres from the shore.
"The man and child were brought to shore by members of the public," according to Mr Pearce.
"The man was pulled from the water unconscious and not breathing.
"The child was conscious and breathing."
"Surf Life Saving NSW lifesavers were called to Ettalong Point from nearby Ocean Beach patrol.
"Paramedics arrived shortly after."
He said Maritime Services and NSW Ambulance who attended were unable to revive the man.
The child was taken to Gosford Hospital.
In the Christmas Day drowning at Umina Beach, a surfer was noticed by family members going under water at 11am, some 600m from the flagged area, according to Mr Pearce.
"The man was pulled from the water by members of the public unconscious and not breathing."
Umina Beach Surf Life Saving patrol members attended by all-terrain vehicle and took over the resuscitation attempts.
"Paramedics arrived shortly and continued resuscitation before the man was declared deceased at the scene."
No further details were given of the circumstances of the two Peninsula drownings.
However, Mr Pearce implied that fatigue was a factor.
"It's a reminder of the dangers of the ocean and fatigue.
"Know your limits and know the beaches that are patrolled.
"If you are not a strong swimmer and swimming with young children, there is a greater risk."
The second Christmas Day drowning occurred at 5pm at Copacabana.
A 79-year-old Canadian tourist, Mr Ron Brean, was pulled unconscious and not breathing from the ocean by members of the public around 250m from the red and yellow flags.
"Volunteer surf lifesavers were alerted to the incident and rushed to the location to take over resuscitation.
"Paramedics arrived shortly after.
"However the man was declared deceased at the scene."
Mr Pearce said: "Those who are not familiar with the surf conditions should heed the warnings from local surf lifesavers or lifeguards on patrol.
"Our concern is particularly those visiting unpatrolled beaches.
"The number one danger on our beaches is rip currents.
"Please stay safe between the flags."
An appeal has been launched by friends of the Brean family "so the family can fly to Canada to finalise arrangements and take their dad home".
"Our dear friends lost their father in a tragic Christmas day drowning at Copacabana Beach," said organiser Ms Tina Addison.
"Ron and his two grandsons were caught in a rip.
"While surfers rendered assistance to the boys, Ron sadly could not be saved."
Donations can be made online at https://www.gofundme.com/f/hjv8w-christmas-tragedy
SOURCE:
Media release, 25 Dec 2023
Media release, 6 Jan 2024
