An Indian national has drowned in a river north of Perth.
The man was swimming with his girlfriend near the pontoon in Moore River Estuary in Guilderton on Tuesday when he sank below the water about 7.30pm.
The 29-year-old had desperately tried to stay afloat by grabbing his partner.
‘He’s tried to grab a hold of her, taking her under with him and she had to save herself as well,’ Steve Kruger, who tried to rescue the man, told Nine News.
‘People (were) screaming and screaming and pointing at the water.’
The man’s body was recovered three hours later after an extensive search by members of the Police Air Wing and the Lancelin Volunteer Marine Rescue.
His death has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community.
‘We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the young man,’ Sam Collard, Shire of Gingin President, said in a statement.
‘It is a tragic loss of a young life.’
There is no lifeguard on duty at the river and residents have reported an increase in inexperienced swimmers taking to the water.
An Indian national drowned in Moore River Estuary in Guilderton, north of Perth, (pictured) on Tuesday night
Police are urging swimmers to be extra diligent around water following the man’s death (stock image)
Lancelin Police Sergeant Steve McCrae said the man’s death was a reminder to take care when swimming.
‘This terrible tragedy is a timely reminder to our communities to be extra diligent around water, whether swimming at a river, beach, pool or other water body,’ he said.
‘It is so important to know your limits when you’re in the water, and use floatation devices if you need to. We extend our sincerest sympathy to the young man’s family.
‘This incident is now a matter for a coronial investigation.’