From Bermagui, May 2025

Maybe when the coastal weather warning is, ‘Dangerous and hazardous seas’, it is a pretty good idea to stay out of the ocean. Those were the warnings for the entire NSW coastline on 18 and 19 April. Tragically, many did not heed those warnings and that resulted in rescues up and down the coast and six unfortunate, avoidable deaths.

Horseshoe Bay, Bermagui, usually a mill pond, was transformed into a swirling, churning, dumping monster. Swells off the eastern headland regularly reached five metres in height and three metres within the confines of the bay. Four of the regular morning swimmers ventured out along with six out-of-town visitors. Four of those visitors were all active members of their respective local surf lifesaving clubs.

Large seas buffet swimmers so that far more effort is required to maintain any momentum. One of the swimmers obviously did not have the capabilities to cope with the conditions and quickly tired. Once this situation became apparent, a shore-based observer alerted members of Bermagui Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) Emergency Callout Team. Two of the original swimming group then re-entered the water and swam out to the distressed swimmer providing him with a flotation device and encouraging words of support. The Bermagui SLSC jetski was launched from the harbour and was quickly on scene, transferring the swimmer safely back to shore, then relaying rescuers Shannon and Shayne to the shoreline. The patient was assessed by the waiting ambulance officers and given the thumbs up. They were released shortly afterwards to head off and enjoy a celebratory hot cross bun.

This amazing photo was taken from the western headland of Horseshoe Bay on Friday, 18 April 2025 by Mark Huxley

Kudos must go to Shannon, Shayne, Mark (jetski) and Euan (rescueboard) for contributing to the on-water aspect of the rescue. They were supported by a further three members of Tathra and Bermagui SLSC on the shore. Hats off to an amazing performance by dedicated volunteers from three different surf clubs who collaborated seamlessly.

Later that afternoon, when ocean conditions had deteriorated further, Shayne again entered the water and for 75 minutes gave an absolute masterclass of what a jetski can do when operated by highly trained, skilled and fearless individual.

Ima Shiverer