Melbourne-based Pritesh Patel narrowly escaped from drowning at a popular beach in Queensland on Friday morning.
30-year-old Patel who was holidaying with his young family had only been in the water for five minutes when he got caught into a rip while swimming at the popular Sunshine Coast beach.
Onlookers who saw him go underwater a few times told that his wife was standing at the coastline screaming for help.
Four beachgoers immediately jumped onto the water to help him and then the lifesavers swung into action and rescued him using a jetski.
Mr Patel who was reportedly swimming outside the safety flags when he got into trouble later said he has now “learnt his lesson,” and was now aware of the ocean’s perils.
"I'll swim between the flags, and don't undermine the ocean and the waves," Mr Patel told 9news after he recovered and was reunited with his wife and son who were moved to tears.
He also thanked the people around who saved his life.
Source: AAP
At least six Indian-origin migrants and visitors have died this month in waterways across Australia, sparking renewed calls for awareness of beach safety conditions across the country.
Surf Life Saving Australia has issued a fresh warning on its Facebook page, reminding people to swim at patrolled beaches and between the flags.
Here are some tips for keeping safe in or on waterways:
- At the beach, always swim between the red and yellow flags
- Read and observe the safety signs
- Ask a lifesaver/lifeguard for safety advice
- Always swim with someone else and look out for each other
- Always supervise children around the water
- Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Learn how to identify a rip
- If you need help, stay calm and attract attention
- Always wear a lifejacket while boating or rock-fishing
- If witnessing an in-water emergency, call Triple Zero (000)
For information on Beach conditions or to find a patrolled beach near you, check out the or download the .
