By JONATHON HOWARD
THE tragic death of a 26-year-old Brisbane man who drowned at Sunshine Beach on Sunday 5 October, was the first beach drowning this year and has left the local community shattered.
The male surfer from Hamilton had been surfing at “Dogs Beach” about 500m north of the Sunshine Beach Surf Club about 11am.
Conditions were messy with some large sets and the man was surfing with one of his friends. His girl friend was on the beach at the time of drowning.
Police are investigating the death and early indications found the man may have been knocked unconscious by his surfboard, before drowning, although this was yet to be confirmed.
Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving lifeguards collected the man from the water and carried him ashore where they attempted to resuscitate him using CPR.
The man’s distraught girlfriend was looking on in shock, as her boyfriend could not be revived.
Paramedics arrived at the scene a short time later and took over, but the man was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Police were investigating the circumstances of the drowning and the man’s name has not been released as of Tuesday 7 October.
More than three ambulance and police cars converged on Sunshine Beach and there were frenzied scenes from concerned onlookers and media outlets swamping the grounds around the surf club.
The beach drowning was the first for 2014 on a Sunshine Coast beach and has rocked the surf life saving community.
The drowning also puts a dampener on the up-coming summer season, with messages of caution now stronger than ever directed at swimmers and surfers.
Surf Life Saving Queensland Sunshine Coast regional manager Aaron Purchase told media sources that lifeguards were saddened by the death.
“They did everything they possibly could to give him the best chance,” he said.
Mr Purchase said surf conditions were “a bit messy” at the time.
“We’re not sure whether he was hit by his board or dumped into a sand bank,” he said.
He said those involved in the attempted rescue were provided with peer support.
“Our condolences go out to family and friends,” he said.
Messages of shock and sadness have also been spread across social media from Sunshine Beach locals who extended their messages of condolences to the family and friends of the man.
Swimmers are advised to swim between the flags only, while surfers are told to surf to their abilities and not attempt rough seas.
