Burrill Lake flagged as dangerous swimming spot

Resident Michael Chadwick predicted the tragedy and says “it will happen again.”

Last week the region experienced heavy rain and large swells which made the Burrill Lake mouth particularly dangerous on the outgoing tide.

“We have no lifeguards here, yet hundreds of tourists swim here,” Michael said.

“The only way someone can be saved from drowning is if a surfer plucks them out.

“Last year I rescued eight people,” he said.

This year he witnessed four young boys get into trouble when a rip took them into breaking waves.

“Luckily a wave caught them and they glided back into a depth where they could stand up,” Michael said.

This week the swell has calmed down and the water is not running as quickly with no rain, however Burrill Lake is still a danger.

“The main problem is the outgoing tide,” Michael said.

Michael says that despite the obvious signage, the allure of the crystal clear water means that people do not stop to read them or pay attention to the dangers.

He feels that a lifeguard is necessary.

Shoalhaven Council aquatics director, Kevin Norwood said the Council considered a report last year about lifeguarding provisions, and a risk analysis of Shoalhaven beaches was conducted.

They decided to continue with the current services based on that assessment.

“If council was approached about a business group funding patrols, we would have to consider it,” Kevin said.

Last year, additional patrols were funded by the business community which meant professional lifeguards patrolled South Mollymook in the Easter holidays.