Four people were rescued from rising tides after they became trapped in a cave at Pinnys Beach on the weekend.
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About 12pm Sunday three teenage boys two aged, 15, and one 17 year old, as well as two men aged 25 and 30, entered the water at Pinnys Beach to swim south to a sea cave.
Once inside the cave, the group became stuck and at 4pm realised they were in danger from the incoming tide and approaching darkness.
The 30-year-old man used a boogie board to make it out of the cave and climbed to the cliff top where he called emergency services.
A search operation, involving officers from Lake Macquarie Police District Area Command, NSW Ambulance paramedics, Surf Lifesaving NSW, Fire & Rescue NSW, and Rural Fire Service began.
Surf Lifesaving NSW deployed an inflatable rescue boat (IRB) and a jet ski where they could get within five metres of the entrance of the cave and located the swimmers.
The swimmers were transported to Caves Beach where they were treated by paramedics.
The incident is a timely reminder for swimmers to make safety the priority when in, on or around the water.
Authorities advise the following tips for keeping safe at the beach:
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags
- Read and observe the safety signs
- Ask a lifesaver/lifeguard for safety advice
- Always swim with someone else and look out for each other
- Always supervise children around the water
- Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Learn how to identify a rip
- If you need help, stay calm and attract attention
- Always wear a lifejacket while boating or rock-fishing
- If witnessing an in-water emergency, call Triple Zero (000) for police