Calls for major change at deceptively dangerous Aussie beach after Laith Alaid tragedy
Sydney boy Laith Alaid, 11, drowned after he was swept out to sea at the The Entrance on Sunday.
A major Australian council has announced it will conduct "a full audit" into safety signage at a notoriously dangerous east coast beach, after the body of an 11-year-old boy who drowned at the spot over the weekend was recovered on Wednesday.
Police announced yesterday afternoon the body of western Sydney boy Laith Alaid was found in the water off the NSW Central Coast, after he was swept out to sea while trying to cross The Entrance channel with his 43-year-old father and three younger brothers on Sunday.
Lifeguards say the Entrance channel can appear shallow enough to wade across it during low tide but becomes deceptively deeper very quickly. The tragedy has resulted in calls for a review of signage at the beach to warn visitors — and in particular those who may not be strong swimmers — of the dangers.
Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, a spokeswoman for Central Coast Council revealed it will do just that, once police inquiries have concluded.
'Full audit' into signage at The Entrance incoming, council says
The spokesperson offered condolences to Laith Alaid's family.
"Council’s thoughts and deepest sympathy are with the family of the 11-year-old boy who was swept away in waters at The Entrance on Sunday," the spokeswoman told Yahoo News. "As this is still an active investigation, Council cannot comment on specifics, however Council will be doing a full audit of signage at the appropriate time."
The Entrance MP David Mehan urged council to consider broadening its safety warnings.
"Our whole community shares in the sorrow being felt by the family of Laith at this time. I have asked Council to review warning signs at the channel to ensure warning messages reach all visitors to our region," he said in a public statement.
Some online said the accident highlighted the need for safety messaging to be translated into languages other than English. Laith was from a non-English speaking background.
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The Council spokeswoman confirmed there are existing "warning signs in place in that location", and "council lifeguards patrol the North Entrance beach and The Entrance beach".
In Australia, one in four people who drowned last year were born overseas, with most migrant drownings occurring within the first five years of moving to Australia, according to The annual National Drowning Report. There were 323 people who drowned in the last financial year, 45 more than last year.
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