Sun Apr 20 08:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Five Coastal Drownings Mark NSW’s Worst Easter Weekend on Record

**Sydney, NSW –** A tragic Easter long weekend has left New South Wales reeling after five people drowned in coastal incidents, marking the state’s deadliest Easter on record. The latest fatality occurred on Sunday when a fisherman was swept off rocks at Wattamolla in Sydney’s Royal National Park. Despite rescue efforts, the man, who remains unidentified, died at the scene. A 14-year-old boy fishing with him was rescued and taken to hospital but later released.

This incident brings the total number of coastal drownings in NSW since Friday to five, with a further two men still missing, one in NSW and another in Victoria. Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce described the situation as “absolutely horrific,” noting that all five fatalities involved people being washed off rock shelves. The high number is attributed to a combination of factors including hot weather, a long weekend attracting large crowds to the coast, and significant swells.

The search continues for a 24-year-old man swept from rocks at Little Bay on Friday, and a 41-year-old man who went missing near Phillip Island in Victoria after being separated from his friends by a wave. In Victoria, a woman drowned in the same incident, while her husband remains missing.

Authorities are urging caution, highlighting the increased risk of drowning during public holidays. NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car stressed the importance of heeding warnings and avoiding risky areas. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also issued a safety plea to beachgoers. Surf Life Saving NSW has deployed thousands of volunteers and hundreds of professional lifeguards, conducting over 150 rescues since Good Friday. With unusually warm weather forecast, concerns remain high for the upcoming long weekend. The organisation urges beachgoers to swim only between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches.

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