Police said the distressing tragedy was a strong reminder to the public to take care around water. Still image from ACT Policing video.
Police are urging locals to remember the potential danger of swimming in Canberra’s waterways following the tragic death of a 35-year-old man at Casuarina Sands on Thursday evening (3 January).
Police said the man was swimming with his family at Casuarina Sands on Thursday afternoon when he disappeared under water.
Superintendent Jason Kennedy said the family and members of the public tried to find the man before police arrived at the scene.
“The man was 35-years-old and was a local and he was attending Casuarina Sands with his family,” he said. “Unfortunately, despite the best effort of his family and members of the public, they were unable to locate him.
“Police were contacted and attended immediately. Police conducted both land and water search and when the man could not be located, police divers found the deceased under water shortly before dark.”
ACT Policing said they are not treating the death as suspicious and are preparing a report for the coroner. Superintendent Kennedy said at this stage it was unknown under what circumstances the man had died from, and would not comment if it was from drowning or a medical episode.
Superintendent Kennedy said the distressing tragedy was a strong reminder to the public to take care around water.
“Any drowning is an absolute tragedy and unfortunately it was witnessed by people in the area,” he said. “This weekend is going to be another hot weekend and we know people will be attending our water systems and riverways and we urge people to take time and care.
“It is a timely reminder that tragedy can unfold in our waterways and we want to make sure the public does take care and are with people when they are swimming.”
For tips on how to stay safe when swimming in local waterways or bushwalking in parks and reserves this summer, click here.
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