A woman has died and three others have been rushed to hospital after being pulled from the water on the NSW south coast on Easter Sunday.
Emergency crews were called to Surf Beach at Batemans Bay at 2pm after reports a group of at least 10 swimmers were pulled from the water by surf lifesavers and members of the public.
NSW Police said the woman in her 40s was flown to Batemans Bay Hospital where she died a short time later.
Three other swimmers – a pair in their 30s and a man in his 40s – were also taken to hospital.
xjmtzywThe other swimmers were assessed at the scene and did not require hospitalisation.
NSW Ambulance Inspector Faye Stockman said members of the public were attempting CPR on a female who suffered cardiac arrest.
“Paramedics arrived to a very chaotic scene with a number of people requiring medical attention for various conditions.” they said.
“This is a timely reminder of the importance of knowing CPR and I praise those members of the public for doing everything they could under extremely challenging conditions.”
“It’s truly heartbreaking to have lost a life here today, especially knowing this group of people was likely enjoying an extended break for the holiday weekend.”
Multiple vehicles were dispatched to the scene, including eight ambulance road crews and one rescue helicopter.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Surf Life Saving Australia Helicopter conducted an overhead search of the beaches to ensure no one else was in distress.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
