Tragic drowning at Victoria Bay: Condolences to family and friends

At 14h23, Sunday, 28 September, NSRI Wilderness duty crew were activated following reports from NSRI lifeguards at Victoria Bay, George, of a drowning in progress.

NSRI Wilderness rescue swimmers, WC Government Health EMS, the SA Police Services, George Fire and Rescue Services and ER24 ambulance services responded to Victoria Bay to join the NSRI lifeguards that were on the scene.

NSRI lifeguards, who happened to be at Victoria Bay at the time, conducting pre-Summer season lifeguard training, had been alerted by eye-witnesses reporting a lady appearing to be in distress in shallow surf near to the shoreline.

The lady was swimming with a man when they appeared to encounter difficulties. The man was able to exit the water when eyewitnesses alerted lifeguards indicating that the lady, a 35 year old local, was floating face down in the water and she appeared to be unresponsive.

NSRI lifeguards, assisted by 2 male Good Samaritan surfers (NSRI has not obtained there identities), were able to recover the lady from the water where CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) efforts were commenced by NSRI lifeguards.

The resuscitation efforts were joined by NSRI Wilderness medics and paramedics.

After all extensive efforts to resuscitate the lady were exhausted on the scene sadly the lady was declared deceased by paramedics.

The body of the female has been taken into the care of Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

Police have opened an Inquest docket.

The cause of death is yet to be determined.

Condolences are conveyed to family and friends of the deceased lady.