NSW acting Premier plays down safety fears after Penrith Beach drowning

NSW Deputy and acting Premier Prue Car has played down safety concerns after a man died at the newly opened Penrith Beach in Western Sydney just a week after it opened.

Father-of-five Seti Tuaopepe drowned at the artificial inland beach on Boxing Day, reportedly trying to save his children while paddleboarding.

Tuaopepe failed to resurface in the open water area and after later being found by emergency services couldn't be saved.

Commenting on the drowning, acting Premier Car said the drowning was a “very tragic set of circumstances” and not a question of whether the beach was safe for visitors.

She explained “we don’t believe there are any other safety concerns at the beach … there are lifeguards there ensuring people are swimming between the flags and we take every safety precaution possible.

“Our biggest priority at the moment is offering support to the family of the man impacted and his children, and ensuring that the investigation takes place.”

Acting Premier Car did not comment about whether Tuaopepe was in the area of the Beach patrolled by lifeguards, saying it was subject to an investigation, noting “at the moment we’re led to believe that it was just a tragic set of circumstances that has affected this man while he was out on the water.”

While the newly opened public beach is patrolled by lifeguards, the lagoon’s watercraft area, where paddleboards and kayaks can be used, is not.

Asked if any new safety measures would be implemented for the attraction, Car added “we are working with every authority on every safety measure that is required. If there is a new safety measure required, we will make sure that it is acted upon.”

Craig Roberts, General Manager of Drowning Prevention and Education at Royal Life Saving Society - Australia (NSW), said while the organisation could not comment on specific incidents, it was a timely reminder for people to assess their swimming capability and reduce their risk of drowning.

Roberts told media “one of the biggest things we do know with drownings across New South Wales and throughout Australia is an overestimation of our abilities and the underestimation of risk, particularly in males.

“It is important that people understand any water environment can be dangerous, whether it is still water or a moving water like a river or beach.”

A fundraising page created for Tuaopepe’s wife Mina described him as a "dedicated father and husband" adding "Seti Tuaopepe, unfortunately lost his life while at Penrith Beach trying to save his kids.

"His kids meant the world to him, and he cherished the life they had together.”

NSW Police advised that investigations into the man’s death are continuing, with a report being prepared for the Coroner.

Penrith Beach is scheduled to reopen today.

Images: The new Penrith Beach from the air (top) and NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car at the opening of the attraction last week (below).