Five Lives Lost Amidst Perilous Surf

In a devastating start to the Easter weekend, five people tragically drowned as colossal waves slammed into Australia's east coast, leaving regions of New South Wales and Victoria reeling.

Authorities are currently searching for missing individuals, including a man who was swept into the treacherous waters near Sydney. Meanwhile, a 58-year-old fisherman was among three victims found dead after succumbing to the relentless surf.

The grim toll continued on Friday when a woman drowned and a man went missing after a group was caught off guard by the surging sea in San Remo, Victoria. In a stroke of luck, one of the women managed to swim back to safety, but the fate of her companions remains uncertain.

Officials Urge Caution as Beachgoers Face Dangers

Victoria's Premier, Jacinta Allan, expressed her condolences, calling it an "awful start" to the holiday period, and raised concerns that more distressing news may follow as the search continues.

The recent surge in perilous surf has led to renewed warnings from rescue organizations. Adam Weir, head of Surf Life Saving Australia, emphasized the importance of staying vigilant at the beach, particularly at patrolled locations. Their alarming statistics show that 630 individuals have drowned at unpatrolled beaches over the last decade.

"Coastal areas can be deceptively dangerous, with hazards both visible and hidden," Weir said, echoing the vital advice to all beachgoers: 'Stop, Look, Stay Alive.'