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At approximately 11:10 am, two off-duty nurses and a young man sprang into action when they noticed a 66-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman struggling in the waters at Shellharbour Beach. Without hesitation, they pulled the distressed couple onto the shore.
Once on the sand, they immediately began administering CPR while awaiting the arrival of paramedics at the location near Boollawarroo Parade in Shell Cove.
Despite these heroic efforts, Inspector Luke Geradts from the Lake Illawarra Police District reported that the couple could not be revived and tragically passed away on the scene.
Inspector Geradts expressed his gratitude, stating, “I want to acknowledge the courageous actions of those who first responded, including the two female off-duty nurses and the young man, who were instrumental in giving the couple the best possible chance of survival.”
He added, “While the outcome today is heartbreaking, their quick and selfless actions are truly commendable and made a significant difference.”
“This is a timely reminder of the dangers and unpredictability of the ocean.
“It’s a tragic incident and our hearts go out to the family who has lost their loved ones today.”
A witness told the publication she had been walking along the beach with her friend when the pair came across emergency services.
“It was pretty calm, everyone knew what they were doing,” she said.
“It wasn’t a mad panic, everyone just switched into what they were doing.
“It puts it all into perspective how quick things can go wrong.”
A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.
Shellharbour Beach is a popular tourist hotspot located in the NSW Illawarra region.
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