A community reeling from a shark attack at a Sydney beach which left a woman in critical condition has returned to the water for a swim-out to support the victim’s family.
One week ago, Sydney mother Leah Stewart was swimming between the flags at Coogee Beach when she was mauled by a suspected white shark.
An off-duty volunteer lifeguard helped save her by paddling her backwards to shore, where surf life savers and the public applied tourniquets and performed CPR.
Ms Stewart’s family says she has undergone multiple surgeries and has had one arm amputated. (Supplied: Stewart family)
The 35-year-old remains in a critical condition, having undergone multiple surgeries since the June 13 attack for bites across her arms and legs.
She also suffered lacerations and fractures throughout her body, with her family saying in a statement one of her arms had to be amputated.
‘Coming together’
The event is taking place one week after Ms Stewart was attacked by a shark. (ABC News: Digby Werthmuller)
Hundreds of people turned up for the swim-out organised by Coogee Surf Life Saving Club and Randwick City Council, which provided support to the Stewart family as well as the wider community.
Surveillance drones, lifeguards on jet skis and inflatable rescue boats were provided to reassure swimmers.
Hundreds of people have entered the water. (ABC News: Digby Werthmuller)
Mayor of Randwick City Council, Dylan Parker, said the turnout sent a clear message that the community’s heart went out to Ms Stewart as she recovers.
“It is a community coming together to wrap our arms around Leah, but also to come back to our special place, Coogee Beach,” he said.
Mr Parker said he was proud to see the people come together and praised the presence of water safety personnel.
Mr Heenan said the event was “really touching”. (ABC News)
President of Coogee Surf Life Saving Club, Ben Heenan, said the event showed the “absolute power of community”.
“It was pretty phenomenal to be out there with over 1,000 swimmers swimming together, bringing their feeling of warmth back to the ocean and back to each other,” Mr Heenan said.
“Our thoughts are with Leah and her family. Her family was able to bring those thoughts down to the beach this morning before everyone got in and that was really touching.”
Lifeline counsellors were also present for those still feeling the impacts of the incident or wanting further support.
Pia Schindler (left) and Alana Singleton are attending as part of the charity, Emergency. (ABC News)
Pia Schindler and Alana Singleton from Emergency, a charity supporting the mental health of first responders and volunteers such as surf life savers, said the event was crucial for the community.
“Not only to support the Coogee community, but Leah and her family. [It’s] really important to see people back in the water,” Ms Singleton said.
SMART Drumlines, which were used to lure and catch sharks near beaches using bait, had been removed for the event.
The New South Wales government said it did not want to risk a member of the public being snagged on a drumline’s hook.
A BBQ is being held to help raise funds for Ms Stewart. (ABC News)
Following the swim-out, the local surf club hosted a community barbecue, with proceeds going to the Stewart family.
In an emergency measure following the tragedy, Surf Life Saving NSW was granted approval to use drones to monitor shark activity over Coogee Beach.
The temporary lifting of the drone ban by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, in place due to the suburb’s location under the flight path, has since been made permanent.