Tragic Incident: Man Loses Life in Murrumbidgee River at Pine Island, South Canberra

A young man of 21 years has lost his life by drowning at Pine Island located in the southern part of Canberra.

The individual was swimming in the Murrumbidgee River accompanied by family and friends when he encountered difficulties in the water and did not emerge on Sunday afternoon.

Responding to distress calls around 6pm, emergency services eventually discovered the man’s body in the water at the popular Tuggeranong swimming area approximately two hours later.

There were no other injuries reported, and the incident is currently believed to be non-suspicious.

Authorities in ACT have announced they will compile a report for the coroner and are looking for additional witnesses to the episode.

Witnesses described being ‘in disbelief’

One female swimmer, along with friends at the scene, recounted the “disbelief” experienced by swimmers who observed the drowning incident.

She mentioned that she estimated the individual had been submerged for approximately five minutes and she “worried he was lost”.

She informed ABC that another man leaped into the river to rescue the 21-year-old; however, he was unable to locate the man beneath the surface, and had solicited nearby witnesses for a knife in case he was ensnared on something.

The woman, who frequently swims in the river, characterized yesterday’s conditions as “quite tranquil”.

Soon after emergency responders arrived, swimmers were instructed to vacate the swimming area as officers made efforts to retrieve the man’s body.

‘What remains unseen is often the most perilous’

This marks the second drowning incident in Canberra’s waterways this year, following the death of a 23-year-old man in the Murrumbidgee River near the Uriarra Crossing bridge in February.

This “heartbreaking occurrence” prompted the Royal Life Saving NSW/ACT to elevate awareness for swimmers regarding the threats associated with inland bodies of water.

Craig Roberts, the general manager for drowning prevention and education, stated that strong lateral currents, fluctuating temperatures, and concealed hazards beneath the water’s surface represent genuine threats in river environments.

“If you’re visiting a site without lifeguarding services, it is crucial to assess the conditions beforehand. One simple method is to toss a stick into the river to ascertain how rapidly it’s flowing.”

He also advised individuals to always enter the water on foot, avoid swimming alone, and be aware of their health conditions prior to entering the water.

Mr. Roberts emphasized that there isn’t a singular resolution to avert drownings; instead, greater education about rivers and waterways is essential, particularly for immigrant communities.

Coronial investigation suggests improved public safety communications

In the previous year, a coroner conducted a joint inquiry into the drownings of three men and a girl that took place in Canberra’s rivers during a 16-month span.

During this period, Coroner Paula Russell advised that authorities should look into methods to enhance safety in the area’s waters.

She proposed that the ACT government engage with relevant parties about strengthening public safety communications, in addition to investigating the necessity of placing rescue equipment at frequented riverside locations.

Former ACT Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury mentioned that the results had led the government to assess the practicality of installing riverside rescue gear, as well as investing in swimming lessons for adults.

The government made a commitment to put up new signage at river swimming areas; however, it declared that lifesaving equipment would not be installed, stating that it had frequently been subject to theft or vandalism in the past.

Currently, all swimming locations along the Murrumbidgee River are available for swimming once again, after being closed earlier this month due to high bacteria levels.