A young Indian international student drowned while swimming at the Stanwell Park beach, south of the Royal National Park in Sydney’s South in October this year.
Syed Husoorullah Qadri from Hyderabad, who was pursuing his higher studies in Australia, was found face down on the northern end of the beach.
Surf Life Saving Duty Officer at Illawarra, Anthony Turner told SBS Hindi the man was swimming with two friends when he got into difficulty.
“They were swimming 500 meters outside the patrolled area. We raced our lifesavers and managed to reach him in the water and conducted CPR on him.
“We continued CPR once we brought him to the beach. Tragically, it was unsuccessful,” Mr Turner said.
“He passed away.”
Many Indians have lost their lives in Australia due to drowning.
23-year-old Paul Rayudu, an international student at La Trobe University in Melbourne was swimming with his girlfriend, Virajitha Kelangi at the WaterMarc Aquatic centre in Greensborough in Melbourne in February 2014 when he and died.
Another Indian student, 25-year-old in South Australia while taking part in Holi festival in March 2016.
In December 2016, yet another man, studying at University of Melbourne, drowned at Lake Bellfield near Grampians National Park in Victoria.
Source: AAP
While males are four times more likely to drown than females, Australian government has specifically identified members of cultural and linguistically diverse communities as being highly susceptible to drowning.
Australian Water Safety Council states that in 11 years, (2004-05 to 2014-15), more than three thousand people have drowned in Australia.
Here’s how you can keep yourself safe in water at beaches:
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags
- Look and take notice of the signs at the beach
- Ask a lifeguard or lifesaver for safety advice
- Learn how to identify a
- Swim with a friend - never swim or surf alone and children should always be supervised by adults.
- If you need help, stay calm and attract attention by raising your arm above your head
- Never enter the water if you have been drinking alcohol or are under the influence of drugs
- Wear sunscreen, seek shade and stay hydrated
- Boat skippers and rock fishers should check the local forecast and always wear a lifejacket
If witnessing an in-water emergency dial Triple Zero (000) – Police
For information on Beach conditions or to find a patrolled beach near you, check out the or download the .
Here's how to stay safe in swimming pools:
- Take swimming lessons. Most universities and public pools offer cheap lessons for adult beginners. Modest swimwear is available if you’re uncomfortable wearing Australian-style swimming costumes.
- Never jump or dive into water when you don’t know how deep it is. People can be seriously injured or killed if the water is shallower than they think and they hit the bottom.
