A husband and wife have died after they were pulled from the water at a popular NSW beach.
Two off-duty nurses and a young man saw the 66-year-old man and 64-year-old woman struggling in the water at Shellharbour Beach about 11.10am and pulled them onto the sand.
They gave the couple CPR before paramedics arrived at the scene off Boollawarroo Parade in Shell Cove.
Emergency services were called to the scene after the husband and wife were pulled from the water. (WIN News)
Lake Illawarra Police District Inspector Luke Geradts said the couple were unable to be revived and died at the scene despite the best efforts of everyone at the scene.
“I want to take the opportunity to commend the members of the public who assisted in the initial response, including female off-duty nurses and a young male, who pulled the couple from the water and gave the couple the best chance of survival,” Geradts said.
“Although a tragic outcome today, their efforts are to be commended, they really did give the couple the best chance.
“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.”
Police described the deaths as “tragic” and offered their condolences to the couple’s family. (WIN News)Local newspaper the Illawarra Mercury reported the family of the man and woman watched on in tears as emergency crews tried to save the swimmers.
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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