Nine-Year-Old Boy Drowns After Incident on NSW Mid North Coast

A heartbreaking tragedy has unfolded on the New South Wales Mid North Coast, as a nine-year-old boy lost his life after becoming trapped between rocks off the shoreline at Southwest Rocks. The incident has pushed the coastal death toll over the Easter long weekend to seven.

Emergency services responded around 3:30 pm on Sunday following reports that a young boy was stuck between rocks near the water’s edge. Despite efforts by police, Fire and Rescue NSW crews, and surf lifesavers to free him, the boy was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not yet been released.

Inspector Peter Walton of the Mid North Coast Police District described the incident as a tragic misadventure. “It is nothing but a tragic accident that has resulted in the loss of a young child and unimaginable grief for the family,” he said. “I can’t imagine what the family was going through witnessing it unfold… it was a very difficult situation for everyone involved.”

The inspector added that preliminary indications suggest the boy was simply playing on the rocks, a common activity for children in the area. The exact cause of death remains under investigation, but water and waves are believed to have played a role, especially given the boy’s wedged position among the rocks.

Inspector Walton urged caution for beachgoers and families. “Kids will be kids and have fun, but it’s important to be careful and not go beyond your limits,” he said. “This is just a tragic situation, and we hope it serves as a reminder to stay safe around the water.”