Tragic Surf Beach drowning

A Canberra man has died today whilst attempting to save his daughter from rip at Surf Beach

Police report that at around 12.45pm today (July 5th, 2021) the 48 year old father attempted to rescue his nine year old daughter caught in a rip at the southern end of Surf Beach. Just before 1pm (Monday 5 July 2021), emergency services were called to Surf Beach, Batemans Bay, following reports a man and a child were missing in the water.

Locals have advised the Beagle that while the surface looked inviting the rip was fast moving in the area.

Members of the public attending the rescue were able to save the daughter however, the father was swept out to sea by the rip.

Batemans Bay Marine Rescue commenced a search assisted by Batemans Bay Lifesaving recovering the man's a short time later. Following a search, a man, aged 48, and a girl, aged 9, were pulled from the ocean by Surf Lifesaving NSW near Surf Beach.

NSW Ambulance paramedics performed CPR on the unresponsive man, however, he died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified.

The girl was taken to Batemans Bay Hospital in a stable condition.

Officers from South Coast Police District attended and will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner.

Image: VisitNSW