A married couple visiting from the United Kingdom has drowned at an unpatrolled beach south of Wollongong, in the New South Wales Illawarra region.
New South Wales Police Inspector Luke Geradts said a 66-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman were swimming at Shellharbour Beach South on Boollwarroo Parade at Shell Cove when they came into trouble after 11am.
Inspector Geradts said three members of the public pulled the couple from the water and commenced CPR, but they were unable to be revived.
Police have confirmed members of the public pulled the pair from the water but they were unable to be revived. (ABC: Penny Burfitt)
“This is a tragic incident and our hearts go out to the family who lost their loved ones today,” he said.
Inspector Geradts commended the efforts of the bystanders.
“They’re young people who are upstanding members of our community who did a great job today in trying to give this couple the best chance.”
Witness Tracey Lee said she saw the people being pulled from the water.
“The police were here, the emergency services were here and then we heard the helicopter was on the way.”
Police Inspector Luke Geradts is encouraging people to swim only at patrolled beaches. (ABC Brooke Chandler)
Ms Lee said she knew the beach well as an ex-local, and described it as “deceptive”.
Inspector Geradts said it was a timely reminder to swim between the flags at patrolled beaches.
“If you do get into trouble, you’re going to give yourself the best chance.”
Relatives of the pair were present at the beach at the time.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
