Tragic Summer Lost: Dual Drownings at Walpole’s Conspicuous Cliff Beach

Two vacationers from Perth have perished after being trapped in a rip current at a beach on Western Australia’s South West coastline. 

The 44-year-old male and 40-year-old female were swimming on Saturday afternoon at Conspicuous Cliff beach, near Walpole, which is infamous for its perilous waters. 

Authorities reported that they acted on distress calls regarding three adults who were struggling in the water around 2:40 PM yesterday. 

Upon police arrival, the three adults had already been pulled from the water, and officers initiated CPR, but unfortunately, the pair could not be resuscitated.

A 42-year-old man received revival and was transported to a hospital by St John Ambulance. 

Authorities stated that all three adults were acquaintances and were visiting from the Perth region. 

A report will be compiled for the coroner. 

‘Extremely hazardous’ beach

Conspicuous Cliff is approximately a 20-minute drive from Walpole and is favored for salmon fishing, surfing, and whale observation from July through September. 

The beach at Conspicuous Cliff lacks lifesaver patrols and is a favored surfing location, but residents commonly avoid swimming there due to the powerful currents. 

Local surfer Billy Rufus expressed that it was “quite shocking” to learn about the drownings on Sunday, yet he wasn’t taken aback due to the current conditions. 

“I’ve aided numerous individuals who were in danger of drowning here, either by paddling or swimming them back to safety over the years, and I have been here for almost 40 years now,” he remarked. 

“This is not a suitable beach for swimming — there are too many rips here, and I’ve witnessed countless individuals in distress, many of whom would not have survived had I not saved them.” 

Although warnings about riptides are posted at the top of the staircase that descends to the beach, Mr. Rufus remarked that he doubts visitors pay much attention. 

“I believe many individuals arrive here unaware of the risks and do not truly acknowledge the peril; they merely notice the stunning water,” he stated.

“I’ve even faced situations with my own mother needing rescue… do not swim here unless you are an adept swimmer.”

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions cautions visitors that the section of coastline can be dangerous due to substantial, unpredictable waves and swells, slick rocks, and powerful currents. 

In 2010, a 41-year-old surfer named Michael Bedford endured a shark assault at the very same beach after another surfer and a group of local fishermen were able to apply a tourniquet to his leg, preventing excessive blood loss.