Lifesavers are pleading with beachgoers to stay vigilant after eight people were swept away by a rip at a popular beach in New South Wales.
Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce told Radio 2GB that on Australia Day swimmers are four times more likely to drown than on any other day.
It comes after surf life savers embarked on a massive rescue of eight people caught in a rip at Bulli beach on NSW's north coast.
Surf Life Savers have rescued eight people at Bulli Beach, NSW, after they were swept away by a rip
More than a million people are expected to flock to the state's beaches on Australia Da, with figures showing drowning deaths almost double on public holidays and long weekends.
Mr Pearce said Australia day is traditionally one of the deadliest on the water in the calendar year.
'Research and statistics show us that more than if you go for a swim on Australia day you are four times more likely to drown than on any other day,' Mr Pearce said.
'We are throwing so many resources and so many warnings for today.'
More to come.
English (United States) ·