SYDNEY: A tragic incident on Sunday, April 20, resulted in the death of a fisherman who was swept off the rocks at Wattamolla Beach, located on the outskirts of southern Sydney. This unfortunate event is part of a grim series of drownings over the Easter weekend, bringing the total death toll related to drowning incidents to six. The powerful waves that have been battering Australia's east coast contributed significantly to these hazardous conditions.

Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, using winches to rescue two individuals from the surf. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, one of the fishermen could not be revived. According to a statement from New South Wales Police, the second individual, a 14-year-old boy, was reported to be in stable condition after being transported to a hospital for treatment.

This latest tragedy continues a worrying trend, with ongoing searches for two other individuals who are still missing in the ocean since Friday. One is believed to have vanished off the coast of Sydney, while the other is missing near Melbourne.

In anticipation of the hazardous conditions, Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) had issued a warning on Thursday, alerting beachgoers to the dangers posed by strong swells that would create particularly treacherous surf conditions along the coasts of New South Wales and Victoria.

The Easter holiday weekend has been especially perilous. On Friday alone, three people drowned in New South Wales, while a woman lost her life and a man went missing after being swept away in the waters near Melbourne.

High surf conditions persisted into Saturday, with waves reaching heights of 3.5 meters in certain areas. It was during this time that another fisherman tragically lost his life after being swept off the rocks in southern New South Wales.

Prior to the holiday weekend, SLSA had released alarming statistics indicating that over the last decade, a total of 630 people have drowned at beaches that lacked an active lifesaving service. This figure highlights the importance of choosing patrolled beaches for recreational activities.

Adam Weir, the Chief Executive of Surf Life Saving Australia, emphasized the need for public awareness regarding coastal safety. We know that Australians and visitors to our country often seek out off-the-beaten-path locations for activities like camping and fishing, Weir stated in a press release. However, these coastal environments can harbor significant dangers, some of which are readily apparent and others that may not be visible. Therefore, we offer some straightforward guidance: Stop, Look, Stay Alive.