TRAGIC NEWS

An Australian man has drowned as he was trying to save two children from the waters off Wollongong City beach on Sunday (Sep 10), according to Australian media reports.

32-Year-Old Victorian Shaun Oliver, ran into the water when he saw two children aged 10 and 12 struggling in the water, the Australian reported. Their two other siblings were reportedly rescued by their father.

A surfer reportedly managed to rescue the 12-year-old boy with Oliver’s help, while the 10-year-old was pulled to safety by a paramedic. However Oliver, a father of three, succumbed to the current after his rescue attempt and was swept out to sea, reports said.

According to Sky News Australia, three police officers swam out to rescue Oliver but despite parademics’ attempts to revive him, Oliver died in hospital.

Detective Inspector Brad Ainsworth said that people should have avoided the beach on Sunday due to bad conditions.

“The beach was closed. There was a heavy surf, a drag, an undercurrent, it was just all the conditions there that you don’t go in.”

In an emotional post on a GoFundMe page after the incident, Oliver’s brother Nathanael said he responded to a call for help from children swept out and swam to the aid of his fellow man.”

Shaun has sacrificed his future happiness and shared life with wife Carla and three beautiful children to do what none of us hope to do in this lifetime … be tested, Nathanael added.

Police said investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Beach Safety: 6 Tips to Keep Your Kid Safe

#1- The Ocean is not the Same as the Pool

Your kids may swim well in the pool, but the ocean surf is trickier to navigate than the backyard pool. You must make sure there is a lifeguard on duty before getting your kids in the ocean. And if possible, have very young kids or kids who can’t swim wear a coast-guard approved life-jacket when near the turf. This is not the time to be lax on safety. The ocean is powerful. With this in mind…

#2 Keep Watch for Rip Currents

Always swim parallel to the shore when caught in a rip current. If your kids cannot swim, let them know to float or tread water until out of the current. Once you’re “free” of the current you can head back towards the shore.

#3 Sunscreen Usage

Sure, your kid may tan golden in a heartbeat, but the sun is strong at the shore. Be sure to use sunscreen on young skins and your own. Skin cancer is not sexy!

Look for:

-waterproof formulations if your children and yourself will be in the water

-formulations with physical sun blockers like titanium and zinc for the kids (and yourself). I personally strictly use physical blockers in my sunscreeen

The Environmental Working Group will have good suggestions on sunscreen

-be sure to reapply based on the lotion’s recommendations

#4  Drink, Drink and Drink Water

Make sure your kiddos are staying hydrated. The sun and surf cane dehydrating. If your children don’t like to drink water, consider electrolyte drinks or mixing juice with water.

Some foods that are also great as hydrators and snacks are:

• melons of all kinds, especially watermelon
• cucumbers
• celery
• strawberries

#5 Buddy Up

Your children should be in the water with you unless they’re older. In that case, having a buddy system in the water will  help your kids as they head for the ocean.

#6 Check With the Lifeguards

Ask the lifeguards where the safest areas to swim are at the beach. They should be knowledgable about any potential “areas” to avoid.

At the end of the day, being safe and aware at the shore will lead for a wonderful day for both you and the children.