Randwick City Council Lifeguards responded to two separate incidents at Maroubra and Little Bay beaches late Wednesday afternoon, with one man treated for serious injuries after being swept off the rocks at Little Bay, a popular rock fishing spot.

Lifeguards found the semi-conscious man in the water at Little Bay at around 3.40pm on Wednesday 13 March 2024. The man had swallowed water and sustained multiple injuries, including serious lacerations to his head and legs.

Two Lifeguards assisted the patient to shore and administered first aid, before paramedics escorted him to hospital. Another man – also injured on the rocks in the same incident – was also treated for minor injuries by paramedics.

The incident occurred on the rocks to the north of Little Bay Beach. It is not known whether the two men were fishing at the time.

In a separate incident, Randwick Lifeguards responded alongside police to a report of a missing person at Maroubra Beach after the lifeguard service had finished. The man’s carer raised the alarm after the man was not seen coming out of the water after going for a swim.

Lifeguards and police searched the beach by land and air, until the man was eventually located at his home at 9.30pm.

Speaking about the incidents, Randwick Mayor Philipa Veitch said:

“Yesterday could have been a tragic day for these men, their loved ones and the Randwick community. I’d like to express my heart-felt gratitude to the Lifeguards who responded so effectively to these incidents, alongside NSW Police and Ambulance services.

“Our Council Lifeguards work with dedication and skill to keep us safe at the beach. But everyone has a role to play.

“If you’re visiting the beaches or waterways this season, make sure you swim between the flags, and don’t swim alone, and avoid swimming at dusk or dawn.

“Follow the instructions from Lifeguards and life savers and if you can’t swim, or are a poor swimmer, please exercise extreme care when near the water, Mayor Veitch said.

Maroubra Beach is closed today, 14 March 2024, due to large surf which is creating dangerous conditions for swimmers. Lifeguards are monitoring the situation. Check the latest conditions on Randwick Council’s website.