A joyful Easter weekend turned tragic across Australia as seven people drowned in a series of deadly incidents, with a nine-year-old boy among the victims.
The rise in fatalities, largely driven by powerful ocean swells, has shaken coastal communities and prompted fresh warnings about beach safety.
The weekend’s most heartbreaking incident took place at South West Rocks, about 400 kilometers north of Sydney. A young boy became trapped between rocks at the beach on Sunday. Emergency services rushed to the scene and managed to pull him out, but he could not be saved.
Earlier that day, a helicopter crew spotted a father and his 14-year-old son floating in the sea near Wattamolla Beach, south of Sydney. While the teenager was revived, the father was declared dead.
These tragedies are part of a wider pattern of incidents that unfolded over the Easter break. Most of the drownings happened in New South Wales, where unusually strong waves swept several people off rocks into dangerous waters. Two individuals are still missing, and search efforts continue.
Authorities in Victoria are also searching for a 41-year-old man who disappeared near San Remo on Friday. Emergency services and surf lifesavers have been under immense pressure, carrying out more than 150 rescues since Good Friday.
Surf Life Saving New South Wales CEO Steven Pearce called the weekend the worst on record for Easter-related drownings in the state. He pointed to a deadly mix of warm weather, school holidays, and dangerous surf as the main contributors.
While weather conditions are expected to ease on Monday, officials continue to urge beachgoers to be cautious, especially families with children. Safety reminders have been repeated across media platforms to prevent further loss.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered condolences to grieving families and called on the public to take extra care along the coast. His message echoed the growing concern among rescue services and local communities, all calling for better awareness and safer choices near the water.
In the year to June 2024, 323 people drowned across Australia, according to Royal Life Saving Australia. New South Wales accounted for nearly 40% of those deaths. With such a heavy toll already this year, safety advocates hope these tragic losses can push more people to take ocean conditions seriously.