A man has died and another is in critical condition after a tragic incident at Zenith Beach in Shoal Bay, Port Stephens, north of Newcastle, this afternoon.
Emergency services rushed to the scene just before 3 PM following reports of two swimmers in distress. Friends and bystanders managed to pull the men from the water and began performing CPR until police arrived. Despite the efforts of paramedics, one man could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Glen Dunkley, the state duty officer for Surf Life Saving New South Wales, was among the first responders. He noted that the men, believed to be in their 20s, may have lost their footing in the surf.
“The conditions today weren’t particularly rough, but there were several rips in the area that could seem safe to swimmers who are unaware,” Dunkley explained. “Unfortunately, it appears they were knocked off their feet and became trapped in the water, unable to reach the shore.”
Dunkley emphasized that Zenith Beach is not patrolled and is not suitable for novice swimmers. “If people choose to swim in unpatrolled areas, we cannot guarantee their safety,” he said. “The old saying goes: if we can’t see them, we can’t rescue them. We strongly encourage everyone to swim at patrolled beaches.”
Henry Scruton, president of Hunter Surf Life Saving, echoed Dunkley’s concerns, highlighting the beach’s beauty but also its hidden dangers. “It’s a picturesque spot, great for swimming, but the undercurrents can be tricky,” he said. “This incident is a tragedy for everyone involved.”
Scruton urged swimmers to assess their abilities and to refrain from entering the water if they are unsure. “It’s a relatively isolated area, popular with experienced surfers who generally know how to navigate the sea conditions,” he added.
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