Man dies in fifth drowning to rock Australia in less than 24 hours (2025)

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There have been five drownings across Australia in a single day during the Easterlong weekend.

About 3pm on Friday emergency services were called to City Rock Road in Green Cape on the southern coast of NSW, following reports of a person in the water.

Police were told a man was seen fishing before being washed off the rocks.

A short time later a body was located in the water, a NSW Police spokesperson said.

The body is yet to be identified and areport will be prepared for the Coroner.

It comes after emergency services were also called to Middle Head Point, Mosman NSW, earlier on Friday at about 10.20am after reports of a concern for the welfare of a man in the water.

Police, assisted by Surf Life Saving NSW, Marine Rescue, paramedics and Marine Area Command, found a body in the water a short time later.

While they are yet to be formally identified, the body is believed to be that of the man, NSW Police said.

Initial inquiries suggested he was on rocks when he fell into the water. Investigations are underway and any witnesses have been urged to come forward.

A report will be prepared by police for the coroner.

The tragic Easter incident comes after a fisherman also drowned after being swept out to seaat Wollongong Harbour early on the same day.

Officers had responded to reports of a man pulled from the water unconscious. The 58-year-old fisherman could not be revived and died at the scene.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident and a separate report will be prepared for the coroner.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a warning on Friday for the NSW coast regarding hazardous surf and swell conditions.

Marine Area Command urged people to stay out of the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas.

Surf Life Saving has also published a stark message on social media for Australians wanting to hit the waves over the Easter weekend.

'Did you know coastal drowning risk is four times more likely on long weekends?' a statement said.

'This Easter long weekend make sure to pick patrolled locations to swim at and swim between the red and yellow flags.'

Over the past 20 years, 118 Australians have drowned during Easter, according to Royal Life Saving Australia.

Victoria was also rocked by news that a woman has died and a man is presumed dead after they were swept from rocks near a coastal walk on the south coast.

Emergency services were called to a beach off Punch Bowl Road near San Remo, 125km southeast of Melbourne, at 8.30am on Friday.

Officers received reports three people were washed into the water.

A second woman was able to find her way back to shore safely while an aerial search began for the first woman and the 41-year-old man.

The second woman was subsequently found unresponsive in the water. Emergency workers attempted to revive her but she died at the scene.

A report will be prepared for the coroner regarding her death. Thesearch continued for the man who was last seen on rocks on the coastline. It was suspended on Friday evening and is due to resume on Saturday.

Premier Jacinta Allan said it marked an 'awful start' to the Easter long weekend.

'My thoughts are with the family of someone who has lost their life in such tragic circumstances, and potentially there is more difficult news to come,' she said.

'We are having a very warm Easter weekend. It's a timely reminder about being safe around all waterways.'

Sydney

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