Woman dies in rock fishing accident at NSW South Coast beach
A 25-year-old woman drowned at North Durras Beach when a wave swept her into the sea while rock fishing without protection.
The woman was fishing with a 39-year-old man on Saturday evening when a wave struck, dragging her into the water. The man tried to reach her but was washed back to shore.
A passing vessel later found her, but she died despite CPR efforts. Police confirmed neither person was wearing safety equipment.
This is the 11th rock fishing or rock platform drowning in NSW in the 2025-26 financial year. Authorities warn that waves can quickly sweep people from rock platforms.
The NSW Government advises fishers to always wear a life jacket, use non-slip footwear and check weather and swell conditions before heading out. Surf Life Saving NSW distributed 1,500 free life jackets in 2025 and is trialling AI-powered cameras at high-risk sites to detect falls and alert emergency services.
- 25 years old
- Victim's age
- North Durras Beach, NSW South Coast
- Location
- 11th in NSW in 2025-26 financial year
- Drowning count
- 1,500 free jackets in 2025
- Life jackets distributed
Why it mattersA preventable death that underscores the real dangers of an activity many Australians enjoy, and highlights tools that could save lives.
AustraliaNSW has recorded 11 rock fishing drownings this financial year; safety equipment and surveillance technology could prevent future deaths.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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