Fisherman dies in Sydney amid massive waves as Australia’s Easter drowning toll rises to six.

Families sit on North Narrabeen Beach as waves crash into a rock pool in Sydney on April 18, 2025, as large swells strike Australia’s east coast. Photo by David Gray/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

A fisherman died in a tragic drowning accident near Sydney on Easter Sunday, as powerful waves hammered Australia’s eastern coastline and brought the national holiday death toll from coastal incidents to six. The man was swept off the rocks while fishing at Wattamolla Beach, located on the southern outskirts of Sydney, amid surf conditions authorities had earlier warned would be hazardous.

Fisherman dies in Easter weekend drowning reflects the growing concern over unsafe coastal activity during the long holiday break. The incident occurred despite repeated warnings from authorities about dangerous surf across both New South Wales and Victoria, as large swells pounded popular beach destinations during the Easter period.

According to New South Wales Police, emergency services were called to the scene after reports of two people swept off the rocks by large waves. The fisherman, whose identity has not been publicly released, could not be revived. The second individual, a 14-year-old boy, was successfully rescued and taken to hospital, where he remains in stable condition.

Ongoing surf warnings across eastern Australia

The latest fatality added to a growing list of casualties from the Easter holiday. Authorities have confirmed six drownings since the weekend began, while two other people remain missing—one near Sydney and another off the coast of Melbourne.

Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), the national body responsible for beach safety, had issued urgent alerts ahead of the weekend. On Thursday, the organization warned beachgoers that a combination of intense low-pressure systems and seasonal tides would generate hazardous surf conditions, with waves forecast to reach up to 3.5 metres in some areas.

Despite the alerts, multiple incidents were reported across New South Wales and Victoria. Three people drowned on Good Friday in separate accidents across New South Wales beaches. Another incident near Melbourne left one woman dead and a man still missing after they were swept into the sea. On Saturday, another fisherman died after being pulled into the water by powerful waves in southern New South Wales.

Dangerous swell and unpatrolled beaches

With beaches teeming with holidaymakers and recreational fishers, the dangerous conditions stretched rescue resources thin. Surf Life Saving Australia reiterated the need for caution, particularly at unpatrolled beaches—many of which lack trained personnel or lifesaving equipment.

SLSA’s chief executive, Adam Weir, emphasized that Australia’s expansive coastline includes many scenic but dangerous locations that are popular during public holidays. In a statement released before the weekend began, Weir urged visitors and locals to consider safety before venturing into the water.

“We know that Aussies and visitors to our country like to go off the beaten track to enjoy camping, fishing, and other coastal activities,” Weir said. “But these coastal locations can present dangers—some that you can see, and some that you can't.”

The organization highlighted that over the past decade, 630 people had died at beaches where no active lifesaving patrols were in place. This data underscores the risks faced by those who choose to swim, surf, or fish in remote or unmonitored areas.

Rescues continue as search efforts expand

Rescue operations were ongoing across several coastal regions as authorities raced against time to locate missing individuals feared drowned. Marine rescue teams, helicopters, and police boats were deployed in both Sydney and Melbourne in efforts to track down those still unaccounted for.

The Easter weekend, often associated with family beach outings and camping trips, has become increasingly dangerous as more people travel to coastal regions while surf conditions remain unpredictable. This year, the combination of strong currents, unpatrolled stretches of coastline, and limited awareness about local conditions has proven fatal for several holidaymakers.

In the case of the fisherman who died in Sydney, it appears that the decision to fish from rocks during high-swell warnings may have sealed his fate. Authorities routinely advise against rock fishing during periods of rough surf, noting that such areas are particularly prone to sudden wave surges and slippery surfaces. Tragically, this latest incident demonstrates just how quickly the ocean can become deadly.

Calls for heightened awareness and better education

As Easter holidays continue to attract thousands to Australia’s beaches, lifesaving organizations are calling for improved public awareness around ocean safety. Surf Life Saving Australia has launched several initiatives encouraging people to “Stop, Look, Stay Alive”—a campaign that urges beachgoers to assess conditions, identify hazards, and swim only in designated safe areas.

“There are simple steps we can all take,” said Weir. “Check conditions before entering the water. Choose patrolled beaches wherever possible. Don’t fish or swim alone. And if conditions look unsafe—stay on land.”

The organization also points to the need for multilingual campaigns targeting tourists, as many of those affected in recent years have been international visitors unfamiliar with Australia’s unique coastal risks.

Weather outlook for the coming days

Meteorological agencies continue to forecast high swells and strong coastal winds for parts of New South Wales and Victoria through the early part of the week. The Bureau of Meteorology advises beachgoers to remain alert, avoid cliffside trails or rocky outcrops, and reconsider all non-essential water-based activity.

Local councils have echoed these warnings, placing hazard signage along popular stretches of coastline and urging visitors to heed instructions from surf patrols and emergency service personnel.

As the nation mourns the loss of life and prays for those still missing, the message from rescue agencies remains clear: while Australia’s beaches are beautiful, they demand respect. Tragic stories like the one in Sydney—where a fisherman dies in Easter weekend drowning—are powerful reminders of the ocean’s unpredictability and the importance of preparation.

With more holiday weekends on the horizon and summer drawing more crowds to the shore, authorities hope that better planning, public education, and adherence to safety guidelines will prevent similar losses in the future.