Man drowns off Park Rynie Beach

BY THE time paramedics arrived to save an 18-year-old at Park Rynie Beach on the South Coast on Monday, it was too late.

The young man had already drowned.

National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) spokesperson Craig Lambinon yesterday said they had responded at 2pm on Monday.

“NSRI Rocky Bay duty crew and police Search and Rescue were activated following reports of a drowning incident at Park Rynie Beach. On arrival Medevac ambulance services and lifeguards were in attendance.

“A bystander had launched into the surf and was recovering a local male through the surfline. The bystander was able to get the teenager to the beach where sadly paramedics declared him dead,” said Lambinon.

The body of the teenager was taken by forensic pathology services.

“It appears that the teenager had been swimming with a friend when he may have gotten into difficulty in the surf before reportedly disappearing under water. The circumstances of the accident will form part of the police inquest,” said Lambinon, who also praised the would-be rescuer.

“The bystander who performed the rescue, a local male resident, is commended for his actions.”