Hazardous surf conditions create "worst Easter drowning toll on record" as giant waves sweep beachgoers and fishermen into the ocean
A series of powerful rogue waves along Australia's eastern coastline has claimed six lives and left two people missing during the Easter long weekend. The tragic incidents occurred as waves reaching heights of over 24 feet (7.3 meters) battered the coastline from Queensland to New South Wales, creating what officials have described as the worst Easter drowning toll on record in the region.
Deadly Incidents Across Multiple Locations
The death toll rose to six on Sunday when a man fishing at Wattamolla in Sydney's Royal National Park was swept off rocks into the turbulent sea. Emergency services rescued a 14-year-old boy who was with him, but the adult could not be revived and died at the scene ABC News1.
This latest tragedy follows five earlier drownings since Friday. In New South Wales, a 58-year-old fisherman died after being swept into Wollongong Harbour on Friday morning, while another man drowned at Mosman on Sydney's north shore. Later that day, the body of a fisherman swept off rocks at Green Cape on the state's far south coast was discovered. On Saturday, another rock fisherman was swept into the sea at Tathra, with his body later recovered ABC News1.
In Victoria state, a woman died on Friday morning after being washed off rocks in San Remo, a town on the state's southern coast. Two others who were with her were also swept away – one woman managed to make it back to shore, but a man remains missing BBC2.
Additionally, rescue teams continue searching for a 24-year-old man who was swept off rocks by a large wave at Little Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs on Friday ABC News1.
Official Responses and Warnings
Australian officials have expressed deep concern over the series of tragedies. Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce described the situation as "absolutely horrific" and confirmed it would be "the worst Easter drowning toll that we have seen in New South Wales on our record" ABC News1.
NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car reinforced safety messages, urging people to be vigilant with dangerous surf conditions across the state's coast. "If you're going, make sure that if there are any warnings in place for the area that you're going, just don't go there, it's too risky," Ms. Car stated ABC News1.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also addressed the nation, simply stating: "With the weather conditions that are there... I say, 'Stay safe in the ocean'" ABC News1.
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan called it an "awful start" to the Easter weekend. "My thoughts are with the family of someone who has lost their life in such tragic circumstances, and potentially there is more difficult news to come," she said BBC2.
Expert Insights on Wave Conditions
Meteorological experts have attributed the dangerous conditions to a low-pressure system that brought powerful surf starting Friday. Waves taller than 24 feet were recorded off the coast of Brisbane in Queensland, according to government data New York Times3.
Australia's meteorological agency had issued warnings for hazardous surf for a long stretch of coastline from Queensland to New South Wales, including popular destinations such as Sydney, Byron Bay, and the Gold Coast. Officials cautioned that conditions could be dangerous for rock fishing, boating, and swimming New York Times3.
Marine safety experts explain that "rogue waves" or "sleeper waves" can appear suddenly even when the ocean seems relatively calm, catching coastal visitors by surprise. These waves can be significantly larger than the predominant wave pattern and arrive unexpectedly, making them particularly dangerous for people on coastal rocks or near shore breaks.
"These waves can travel much further up beaches and rocks than regular waves, and the force of water returning to the ocean can easily sweep people off their feet and into dangerous rip currents," explained a coastal safety expert from Surf Life Saving Australia.
Heightened Risk During Public Holidays
Safety organizations have highlighted that the risk of coastal drowning increases significantly during public holidays. According to Surf Life Saving Australia, the risk is more than four times greater on public holidays compared to regular days ABC News1.
Adam Weir, head of Surf Life Saving Australia, advised holidaymakers to visit only patrolled beaches after their data showed 630 people had drowned at unpatrolled beaches in the past decade. "But these coastal locations can present dangers, some that you can see and some that you can't, which is why we have some simple advice: Stop, Look, Stay Alive," Weir stated BBC2.
Royal Life Saving Australia reported that 128 people drowned in New South Wales in 2024, with around half of those drownings occurring along coastlines New York Times3.
Future Implications for Coastal Safety
The unprecedented Easter weekend toll has prompted calls for enhanced safety measures along Australia's coastlines, particularly during holiday periods when beaches are crowded with visitors who may be unfamiliar with local conditions.
Surf Life Saving Australia is advocating for increased resources to extend patrols to more beaches and improved warning systems that can better communicate rapidly changing conditions to the public. The organization is also considering expanded educational campaigns targeting high-risk activities like rock fishing, which featured prominently in this weekend's tragedies.
Local councils along the eastern seaboard are reviewing their coastal safety infrastructure, including warning signs, access restrictions to dangerous areas during hazardous conditions, and the deployment of emergency response equipment.
Meteorologists are also pointing to the need for better predictive capabilities for dangerous wave events, noting that climate change may be increasing the frequency and intensity of coastal hazards along Australia's eastern seaboard.
Safety Recommendations for Beachgoers
In light of these tragic events, safety organizations have issued the following guidance for anyone visiting coastal areas:
- Always swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags
- Check weather and surf forecasts before heading to the coast
- Never turn your back on the ocean, especially when fishing or walking on coastal rocks
- Wear appropriate safety gear, including life jackets for rock fishing
- If caught in a rip current, stay calm, float, and signal for help rather than swimming against the current
- Avoid alcohol when engaging in water activities
- Supervise children at all times near water
As Australia's east coast continues to experience hazardous conditions, the question remains: will these tragedies lead to lasting changes in coastal safety practices, or will the risks be forgotten once the waves subside and holiday periods end?###
