A young woman is fighting for life after being pulled unconscious from a beach in Sydney’s south-eastern suburbs.
A passerby told police they saw the woman in the water at Yarra Bay about 9pm on Thursday and pulled her out.
The woman, believed to be aged in her late 20s, was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to St George Hospital.
She remains in a critical condition and has not been formally identified.
A woman was rushed to hospital after being found unconscious at Yarra Bay beach in Sydney
A passerby found the woman, believed to be aged in her late 20s, at Yarra Bay (pictured)
Yarra Bay (pictured) is located on the northern side of Botany Bay, south of the Sydney CBD
Yarra Bay is located on the northern side of Botany Bay in the suburb of Phillip Bay, about 7 kilometres south of the centre of Sydney.
The woman is the latest victim in a string of drowning incidents across the nation as more people flock to the water as the weather heats up.
More than 30 Australians have already drowned in coastal waters since July, as temperatures soar and life savers plead with beachgoers to take more care.
Australian beaches have claimed five young lives already this month in a horror start to the school summer holidays. Lifesavers have warned no beach is completely safe.
Shane Daw, National Coastal Risk and Safety Manager for Surf Life Saving Australia, said earlier this week there had been at least 33 coastal drowning deaths in Australia since July 1.
‘The loss of any life is tragic, let alone that of a child or young person,’ Mr Daw said.
The woman was dragged unconscious from Yarra Bay and rushed to St George Hospital
‘Coming into the Christmas period we are imploring all beachgoers and other aquatic users to stop and think water safety.’
‘It is critical that parents, young people, and all coastal visitors understand the potential risks when recreating at any aquatic venue.
‘Sadly, it only takes a moment for a tragedy to unfold. Knowing your limits and abilities is critical, and we cannot overstate the importance of swimming at patrolled locations.’
Since July 1 there have been at least 16 coastal drownings in NSW, including four on the mid north coast and three on the far north coast.