Hellfire Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park. Photo: Chloe Sipeki.
A woman drowned at Hellfire Bay on Saturday.
A police spokesperson said they received calls of a swimmer in distress at about 1pm.
“The female swimmer was recovered from the water by a group of bystanders,” they said.
“Members of the public and emergency services personnel attempted to provide first aid; however, the woman could not be revived.”
Esperance Police said this was a tragic reminder that the swell was dangerous even if it did not appear massive.
Senior Sgt Chris Taylor said police were trying to put an emphasis on coastal awareness because people weren’t reading the warnings.
“Be aware of the coastal conditions; the swell and the tides,” he said.
“Take care when driving on beaches.”
Snr Sgt Taylor advised people to abide by the warnings and stay off black rocks.
Esperance Coastal Safety Group chairman Chris Brien said people needed to make sure their capabilities matched the conditions. It is a message he has repeated time and time again.
As for those people who continued to disregard coastal dangers and overestimate their abilities, Mr Brien said it ultimately came down to personal responsibility.
“We can’t control that,” he said.
“What can you say to that?”
“Theres a certain amount of personal responsibility that needs to be taken.
“Head the warning signs that say people have lost their lives.”
Mr Brien said when people were heading to beaches in the national park and further out of town, it was important to consider how distance also became a danger.
“If you’re driving to remote locations you need to be aware that the amount of time it takes for you to get there is the same amount of time it will take for help to get there,” he said.
