Surf Life Saving NSW lifeguards and locals pulled five people, including two children, from the surf at McKenzie's Beach on Saturday evening [January 7].
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Far South Coast SLSNSW lifeguard coordinator Cheryl McCarthy said there were no lifesavers or lifeguards on duty when the swimmers found themselves in distress at about 6.30pm.
"There are no lifesavers or lifeguards on duty at that time of day," Ms McCarthy said.
"Lifesavers responded from Batemans Bay in an IRB and lifesavers from Broulee responded by road with rescue equipment."
The five people were out of the water by the time the lifesavers and lifeguards arrived.
"Members of the public had helped the five people from the water by the time they arrived," Ms McCarthy said.
"There has been a strong swell for the past several days leading into Saturday so although the swell was dropping there was a lot of water moving around and some difficult conditions."
A NSW Ambulance spokesperson said paramedics assessed the group and transferred two people to Batemans Bay Hospital.
"Five people were assessed by paramedics, including three adults and two children," the spokesperson said.
"Two patients were taken to Batemans Bay District Hospital for observations."
It comes just days after the marine safety warning issued by NSW Police and Surf Life Saving NSW [SLSNSW].
"During that period there were six drownings, including two fathers going to the aid of their children in waterways," he said.
"This festive period has probably been one of the most operationally busy periods for Surf Life Saving NSW and its volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards that we've seen in over six years."
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Sally Foy
Regional reporter based in the Southern Highlands. I am also a mother and advocate for children with a disability and epilepsy.
Regional reporter based in the Southern Highlands. I am also a mother and advocate for children with a disability and epilepsy.
