Warning over deadly reality hidden in 'beautiful' Aussie beach photo
The stunning spot on the NSW south coast has already claimed several lives, with boaters and fishers being warned of the dangers that are present.
Incredible photos captured by a local photographer perfectly depict the beauty of what Australia's coast has to offer. But hidden within the "stunning" images taken at an idyllic beach lurks a dangerous truth putting dozens of locals at risk daily.
Local man Sean Kinchela told Yahoo News Australia he visits the Narooma Bar often. "I go there nearly every sunrise," he said sharing the photos with Yahoo which capture the famous tidal crossing from above.
The crossing, located on the Far South Coast of NSW on the south bank of Wagonga Inlet, is a popular waterway for general boating and fishing with an entrance between two breakwaters extending roughly 300 metres.
However, due to its shallow and narrow nature, it can present some large and rough waves with locals deeming the coastal spot "really dangerous". Data released last year revealed the Narooma Bar as the deadliest tidal crossing on Australia's east coast.
"Having seen rescues and people even in small boats trying to cross the crazy big waves, I’m not surprised at all," one local said in response to the data.
"I thought I was going to die crossing that bar. One of the worst experiences on the sea ever," said another in response to Kinchela's photos.
Several deaths reported at popular NSW tidal crossing
In the past decade, the narrow and shallow channel has claimed four lives and resulted in six serious injuries, according to Transport for NSW.
In 2023, a man died after his boat capsized while attempting to enter the harbour. A woman, believed to be aged in her 60s who was in the boat with him, was rescued from the water by a passing boat.
Meanwhile, a 32-year-old man and a 75-year-old man drowned attempting the same manoeuvre in March 2020, the ABC reported. It's understood that life jackets were being worn in all of the fatal incidents.
According to locals, the crossing is used by dozens of recreational and commercial fishers each day, and conditions are known to quickly change from calm to treacherous within hours.
Boaters warned to proceed with caution when crossing
Boaters attempting to tackle the crossing are advised by the NSW government to plan ahead and avoid any unnecessary travel.
"When planning a bar crossing or going offshore, carefully consider the suitability of your vessel to handle the conditions and understand how to safely cross coastal bars," it warns.
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If gale force winds are forecast, or if sea swells are large, people are advised to avoid the water. Transport for NSW last year warned boaters to consider their safety first.
“We see far too many boaters take on coastal bars in conditions that aren’t suitable for their vessel, or their level of experience as a skipper. Know your limits, and if there’s any doubt, don’t go out," they said.
Kinchela agreed it's a "really beautiful" spot but said it can be "deadly". Thankfully for him, he just captures it all on camera.
"I've got a lot of experience crossing the bar but that doesn't mean to say I'm not scared every time I go over it," local man and former president of the Narooma Sport and Gamefishing Club, Les Waldock told the ABC.
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