Recent Drowning at The Pink Caves
In light of the recent drowning at the pink caves, Moonee Beach, we have been intouch with the Defib Project Team and asked if we could possibly get a Defib unit installed at or near the pink caves.
The response was a welcoming yes even though they have finished in our area, they will see if there is grant that could be accessed or maybe create a fund raiser to purchase one for the Pink caves.
We have also asked the Defib Team if they could liaise with the Police to have locations of each Defibrilator put on to their information system so they can be readilly available if needed.
We hope to hear back from them soon.
Unfortunatley it was a big no!
Unfortunatley it was a big no from the Catherine Hill Bay Alliance Group, The Chair person who is also the team leader for our area from the Defib Project got totally offended by the arguement of why we should have a Defib placed on the beach or near the Pink Caves was an insult to the family of those who had sadly lost their lives three weeks previously, as they were probably still in mourning.
So after all the berrating and calling the idea of having a Defibrilator near a place where people get into trouble and drown, as being stupid as it might scare people off from visiting the area, I decided to stop wasting my time alking to brick walls.
DANGER
The Pink Caves at Catherine Hill Bay are dangerous
Another Drowning
Sadly another drowning has taken place last tuesday the 26th of July 2022.
Two elderly couple were the latest victims of the Pink Caves, The woman was washed ashore on Moonee Beach and her partner was found later the next day further south at Snapper Point.
As you can see in the above photo the size of the waves that crash over the rocks, these waves have the ability to not only knock you over but also drag you into the water with the backwash, which is what happens at the Pink Caves.
Ever since the Pink Caves became noticed by tourist, a lot of people have not headed the warnings of the National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS), to be alert to the incoming waves and have been washed into the ocean.
AS you can see in the above picture at top of page (taken by Burt Errington) waves crashing on to the rocks.
These waves can and have swept people into the ocean simply because they got too close to the edge to take a photo and not noticing the waves coming inwards.
DON'T GO ALONE!
If you really want to visit the Pink Caves, it is better to go at low tide where you will see more of the "Pink" in the Caves.
Don"t go alone, have someone to be with you to act as a lookout for incoming waves while the other takes a photo.
Don't go too close to the edge of the rocks, even at low tide a large wave can still come in to the cave area.
If someone falls into the water, Try Not to panic. Do not jump in after them especially if you can not swim, the current will drage you under! Try to get the person to swim out towards carmer waters and call for help if you see any surfboard riders.
If the person can swim to carmer waters it will be easier to help them back up onto the rocks, but still be very careful of incoming waves.
Take note of where the life bouys are situated before you go to the caves. There are three life bouys nearby and signs indicate where to locate them.
Defibrilators There are three Defibrilators in the estate send someone to ask for help in retrieving one of these lifesaving pieces of equipement.
000
Call 000 (triple zero) ask for Police.
Move away from the water to a safe place
If an emergency does arrise call 000 imeadiately and ask for Police.
You will then be connect to the Police.
Tell them someone has gone into the water at the Pink Caves.
You give your location as Pink Caves Moonee Beach, Catherine Hill Bay south of the Jetty.
The entrance to the beach is via Hooey street.
If asked for the nearest cross street it is Breakers Boulevard.
Follow the instructions by the operator
The Police will dispatch all Emergency Services immediatley.
PINK CAVES ARE NOW CLOSED
As of today 3/Aug/2022 the Natinal Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has closed the Pink Caves and require any Visitors to the rock area of the beach to wear a life or safety Jacket, Sign posts have been errected at the enterances to Moonee Beach.
Please alert all your friends not to visit the Pink Caves anymore.
#PinkCaves #DrowningatPinkCaves #MooneeBeach #CatherineHillBay #WestpacRescueHelicopter #Drownings #BeachesActionGroup #LindsayHensby #BurtErrington
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