Three Swimmers Drown at Beaches in Stockton, Saltwater and Cabarita
NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA — September 21, 2026

Three people have died in separate drowning incidents at beaches across New South Wales over the weekend, prompting renewed warnings about swimming at unpatrolled locations.

The deaths occurred at Saltwater Beach on the Mid North Coast, Stockton Beach near Newcastle and Cabarita Beach on the state’s Far North Coast.

Swimmer Dies at Saltwater Beach
The first incident occurred at Saltwater Beach, about 18 kilometres south-east of Taree, shortly before 2pm on Sunday.

Police said three men, all believed to be in their 20s, were pulled from the water after getting into trouble.

Paramedics treated all three men, but one could not be revived. The other two were taken to Manning Base Hospital for treatment.

Man Dies After Being Pulled From Stockton Beach
Hours later, emergency services were called to Stockton Beach near Newcastle after reports that several people were in trouble in the water.

Three men, also in their 20s, were pulled from the water with assistance from members of the public.

One man was unresponsive and bystanders began CPR before emergency services arrived. Despite treatment from paramedics, he could not be revived.

The other two men were taken to John Hunter Hospital as a precaution.

Cabarita Beach Swimmer Dies in Hospital
A separate incident occurred at Cabarita Beach on Saturday.

Emergency services were called at about 12:30pm after surfers located a man in the water. Three members of the public were attempting to revive him when police arrived.

The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Tweed Valley Hospital, where he later died.

Police said he had not yet been formally identified but was believed to be in his 50s. A report will be prepared for the NSW Coroner.

Lifesavers Warn of Rising Risk
The three deaths occurred just days before the official start of the NSW volunteer surf lifesaving patrol season on September 26.

Surf Life Saving NSW described the weekend as an unprecedented spike in drowning incidents and urged beachgoers to take extra precautions, particularly when swimming outside patrolled areas.

The latest fatalities bring the number of coastal and ocean drowning deaths in NSW since July to eight, according to Surf Life Saving NSW.

Authorities continue to investigate the individual incidents, with reports to be prepared for the Coroner.

Sources: ABC News Australia; NSW Police; Surf Life Saving NSW.