Near-tragedy prompts beach safety warning from Lake Macquarie City Council

Lake Macquarie City Council has advised of a near- tragedy in which a 12-year-old boy required resuscitation after being buried head-first in the sand.

The incident has prompted Lake Macquarie lifeguards to warn about staying safe on the beach during school holidays.

The quick action of Lake Macquarie City Council lifeguards at Hams Beach north of Caves Beach on Saturday 28th December has been credited with saving the boy's life.

Team Leader Beach Lifeguards Chris Wilson said the boy, who was holidaying from overseas with his family, was digging a deep hole in the side of a sand dune when it collapsed on top of him.

Wilson shared "only his feet were visible. Bystanders raised the alarm and while Hams Beach is not patrolled, our lifeguards were thankfully close by, leapt into action and started digging him out.

"The boy had to be ventilated but he regained consciousness and survived. It was a very close call."

Wilson said the near-tragedy was a stark reminder for families to keep an eye on their children at the beach, and for visitors to swim and play between the flags where lifeguards are close at hand.

"Not all hazards at the beach are in the water," Wilson added.

"The closer you are to our lifeguards, the quicker we can react if things go awry.

"Our lifeguards have been doing a fantastic job, but we want to remind everyone to stay safe, swim between the flags, know your limits and don't go into the water if the red flags are up and the beach is closed."

Council lifeguards completed more than 300 preventative actions and 10 rescues over the Christmas/New Year period, with near-perfect weather luring bumper crowds to all five patrolled beaches.

Image. Hams Beach north of caves beach was the scene of the 28th December incident. Credit:  Lake Macquarie City Council