Man remains in critical condition after Woonona surf rescue on Saturday

A MAN remains in a critical condition after three people were pulled from the surf, north of Collins Point, Woonona yesterday.

About 3.30pm on Saturday (January 15, 2022), emergency services were called to the beach fronting Ocean Park after reports three people were seen struggling in a rip about 100m offshore.

The swimmers were brought to shore by witnesses, where they were treated by Surf Life Savers and other onlookers before police and NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived.

A 22-year-old man was taken to Wollongong hospital in a critical condition. The other swimmers – a 21-year-old man and 22-year-old woman – were also taken to hospital in a stable condition.

Wollongong police are investigating the incident and are reminding people to exercise caution when swimming in the surf.

Police urge all those around waterways to remember these simple tips:

– If you cannot swim, do not go into the water

– Only swim in waterways that are patrolled – swim between the red and yellow flags and always listen to advice from lifeguards

– Wear a life jacket, whether you are on a boat or out fishing

– Be aware of all conditions – water conditions and the weather are unpredictable. Be mindful of rips and changes and do not swim at night.

Subscribe to the latest Bulli & Clifton Times’ stories

PAYPAL TIP JAR

YOU can support the The Bulli & Clifton Times and/or the Looking Back local history websites with a donation through PayPal. Your generous patronage of my work and research, however small it appears to you, will greatly help me with my continuing costs, and help support independent journalism and local news media. You can leave a small tip here of $2, or several small tips, just increase the amount as you like. Every dollar of support helps provide you with an independent and free source of local news and information.

A$2.00

OR DONATE BY DEBIT OR CREDIT CARD

Don’t have a Paypal account? Instead, you can make a small donation towards the publishing of The Bulli & Clifton Times and/or the Looking Back websites with your credit or debit card. If you would like to support my work, you can leave a $2 donation here by tapping or clicking on the button below. Your generous patronage of my work and research, however small it appears to you, will greatly help me with my continuing costs.