Tag: Northern Beaches

North Narrabeen Rescue: Man Pulled from Waves After Being Washed Off Rocks

A dramatic rescue unfolded at North Narrabeen when a man was swept into the water after being knocked off the rocks. Emergency teams sprang into action, quickly pulling the man from the surf and bringing him to safety. 

Read: North Narrabeen Takes Action to Protect Wildlife from Discarded Fishing Gear

Though he was exhausted and appeared intoxicated, he was taken to hospital for further observation. 

The Alarm Rings Early

At around 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, 8 February  emergency services received a call about a man in trouble in the water near North Narrabeen rock pool. The call came before surf patrols had begun, prompting a swift response from NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, and Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW).

Quick Action Saves the Day

Northern Beaches Police were the first on the scene. They spotted the man, in his 40s, floating about 50 metres from the shore. Local surfers had managed to get a flotation device to him, but the man struggled to swim back against the powerful waves crashing around the rocks.

At 8:15 a.m., NSW Ambulance , including Inspector Christian Holmes, and Narrabeen Ambulance Station arrived. The SLSNSW’s first team followed at the scene. 

The first IRB (Inflatable Rescue Boat) launched at 8:30am, just as the Toll NSW Ambulance Rescue Helicopter arrived above the scene to assist.

North Narrabeen Rescue Just in Time

The IRB crew reached the man in the surf and pulled him to safety, just as the helicopter hovered overhead. He was brought back to shore, where paramedics quickly assessed his condition. Though exhausted, he appeared to have avoided serious injuries.

Medical Evaluation and Hospital Transport

Despite his close call, the man was showing signs of intoxication and fatigue. After being transferred to an all-terrain vehicle, he was driven to the car park near Birdwood Park, where an ambulance awaited.

Paramedics transported him to Northern Beaches Hospital for further observation. While he was expected to recover, doctors would continue to monitor his condition for any complications.

Read: Expanded EPA Investigation Targets North Narrabeen Beach Debris Issue

A Close Call, A Reminder of the Ocean’s Dangers

The rescue is a powerful reminder of how quickly things can go wrong near the ocean, particularly around rocky areas. The quick response from emergency services saved the man’s life, highlighting the critical importance of well-coordinated rescue efforts in such dangerous conditions.

Published 13-Feb-2025

Expanded EPA Investigation Targets North Narrabeen Beach Debris Issue

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is investigating the cause of debris balls found on North Narrabeen Beach, adding this site to their broader inquiry into recent contamination across NSW beaches.

Read: Surfing Legend Tom Carroll Recovering After North Narrabeen Head Injury

In recent months, the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has been investigating the mysterious appearance of debris balls on various beaches across New South Wales.

The investigation began with initial reports from Dee Why Beach and expanded to nine other beaches, including Manly, Long Reef, Queenscliff, Freshwater, North and South Curl Curl, North Steyne, and North Narrabeen.

North Narrabeen beach
Photo Credit: Chris Cousins/Google Maps

Recent Discoveries

In January 2025, debris balls were also reported on the Northern Beaches, including North Narrabeen. In December 2024, sightings were confirmed at Silver Beach in Kurnell and several South Coast beaches, such as Bombo Beach in Kiama, 1080 Beach, and Pooles Beach at Mystery Bay. 

Further reports from October 2024 included Bondi, Bronte, Clovelly, Congwong, Frenchmans, Little Bay, Malabar, and Tamarama beaches.

Investigation Details

EPA Director of Operations, Adam Gilligan, stated that a team of technical experts and specialist investigators are exploring all lines of inquiry, including possible connections to previous incidents. 

The investigation is considering various potential sources, such as Sydney Water’s sewerage system, stormwater systems, sea-borne sources like cruise ships, and illegal trade waste discharge.

Chemical Analysis:

  • 6 November: Initial results found the balls contained mainly fatty acids, a small portion of petroleum hydrocarbons, and other materials, including human hair and various fibres.
  • 2 December: Final petroleum hydrocarbon and biomarker analysis confirmed the presence of some petroleum hydrocarbons in the debris balls.

Despite extensive analysis by the EPA and the University of NSW, as well as an examination of weather patterns and ocean currents by NSW Maritime, the exact origin of the debris balls remains undetermined.

North Narrabeen debris investigation
Photo Credit: Essa Eldhose/X

Community Sentiment

The community is advised to avoid touching any debris balls or pollution on the beaches and to report new findings to their local council or the EPA’s Environment Line at 131 555 or via email at info@epa.nsw.gov.au. 

The EPA continues to provide guidance to councils on the safe management and disposal of waste on beaches and offers advice on beach closures.

Read: Surging Demand Turns North Narrabeen into a Property Hotspot

The NSW EPA’s investigation into the debris balls found on North Narrabeen Beach and other NSW beaches is ongoing. The community’s cooperation in reporting new findings is crucial as experts work to identify the source and mitigate the issue.

Photo Credit: Essa Eldhose/X

Published 23-Jan-2025