‘WORST EASTER LONG WEEKEND’ IN YEARS PROMPTS URGENT WATER SAFETY MESSAGE
Media Release
Steph Cooke
Shadow Minister for Water
Shadow Minister for Crown Lands
23 April 2025
NSW residents are being urged to remain vigilant when in or around water after six drowning deaths were reported over the Easter long weekend.
During the four-day holiday period, volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards performed more than 150 rescues across NSW, with rescue helicopters carrying out 30 missions by Monday morning.
Shadow Minister for Water Steph Cooke is encouraging those heading to NSW beaches, rivers and other waterways to know the risks and obey safety messaging ahead of the ANZAC day weekend.
“Every life lost along our coastlines or our inland waterways is an absolute tragedy, and my heart goes out to the families of those six people who lost their lives during what should be a time of celebration,” Ms Cooke said.
Ms Cooke has spoken with Surf Life Saving NSW Chief Executive Officer, Steven Pearce and thanked the volunteer organisation for their work over the long weekend as well as the summer/autumn period.
“What unfolded over the long weekend has left a number of Surf Life Saving NSW volunteers shocked and devastated,” Ms Cooke said.
“Now, more than ever, they deserve our thanks, having worked tirelessly to keep members of the public safe during this prolonged warm period.”
A low-pressure system has been generating hazardous surf along the NSW coastline, while beckoning unseasonably warm and sunny weather.
The Bureau of Meteorology continues to monitor these conditions with a marine wind warning currently in place for the state’s north coastal region.
Ms Cooke said it is just as important that those planning to fish along the coastline to stay up to date with the latest weather information, with current surf conditions compromising the safety of non-swimmers.
“Swimming as well as fishing are some of our nation’s favorite pastimes, but it’s our responsibility to ensure that anytime we’re in or around water, safety is the upmost priority.”
“Staying safe means understanding the risks, supervising young or inexperienced swimmers, and knowing when to call it a day.”
“If you can, swim at patrolled beaches, stay in between the red and yellow flags and pop on a lifejacket where necessary.”
Surf Life Saving NSW advises the following:
- Only swim at patrolled beaches.
- Check for any warning signs on the beach.
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags.
- Look out for hazards such as rip currents, marine creatures, and large waves.
- Never swim alone – have a friend or an adult with you.
- If in trouble, stay calm, raise an arm, and avoid fighting currents.
Surf Life Saving NSW also advises that those planning to go rock fishing:
- Check the tide tables so you know when and if the water will be rising.
- Try to avoid long fingers of rock which can only be reached at very low tides, as these can leave you stranded.
- Be especially careful when visibility is bad around dusk.
For more information about how to stay safe near in and around our beaches, visit: https://www.surflifesaving.com.au/
