SYDNEY: The idyllic coastal scenery near Sydney turned deadly this past Easter weekend, as a fisherman tragically died after being swept off rocks on Sunday, April 20. His death marked the sixth drowning incident over the extended holiday period, which was compounded by fierce waves battering Australias eastern coastline.

Emergency services responded promptly, deploying helicopters to the scene at Wattamolla Beach, a popular fishing spot located on the outskirts of southern Sydney. Two individuals who had been fishing when they were engulfed by the surging surf were winched from the tumultuous waters. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of rescue personnel, one of them could not be revived.

The second victim, a 14-year-old boy, was rescued and is currently in a stable condition at a nearby hospital. His survival offers a glimmer of hope amid what has been a grim holiday weekend for many.

The tragic incident at Wattamolla Beach is part of a broader pattern of fatalities that have marred the Easter celebrations this year, as authorities continue to search for two additional individuals who have gone missing since Friday. One of them is believed to have been swept away in the waters off Sydney, while the other disappeared near Melbourne.

In light of the dangerous surf conditions, Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) issued a stark warning on Thursday, urging beachgoers to remain vigilant as strong swells were predicted to pose significant hazards along the coastlines of New South Wales and Victoria. Their concerns were validated when three people drowned on Friday alone in New South Wales, while another woman lost her life and a man was reported missing after being swept into the tumultuous sea near Melbourne.

The weekend's perilous conditions were exacerbated on Saturday when waves surged to heights of up to 3.5 meters in certain areas, leading to another fatal incident involving a fisherman who was swept to his death off the rocks in southern New South Wales.

Prior to the holiday weekend, SLSA had highlighted shocking statistics that revealed 630 individuals have drowned at beaches that lacked a dedicated lifesaving service over the past decade. This data underscores the critical importance of safety measures at coastal locations.

Chief Executive Adam Weir of SLSA emphasized that while Australians and tourists alike enjoy exploring less-traveled coastal regions for activities such as fishing and camping, these locations can harbor unseen dangers. He provided a simple yet vital piece of advice: Stop, Look, Stay Alive. This cautionary phrase encapsulates the necessity of remaining aware of one's surroundings and the inherent risks associated with coastal environments.