A man has drowned at a popular Adelaide beach after trying to save his young daughter who had been swept offshore.
A 49-year-old Seaton man died at Grange Beach on Thursday morning
He was trying to rescue his daughter, who had been blown offshore on an inflatable tube
Despite efforts from bystanders and paramedics he could not be revived
Witnesses say the 49-year-old Seaton man swam out to sea at Grange Beach, in Adelaide's west, to rescue his daughter after she was blown offshore on an inflatable tube on Thursday morning. Michael Napper, 70, was playing with his grandchildren on bodyboards when he saw the man heading into the water to save his daughter.
"I raced out to get to him," Mr Napper said. "Before I could get there, the little daughter jumped off the tube and into his arms in deep water and he was trying to save her."
He then said the tube was taken away from the pair by a strong wind.
"I managed to get her on the board," he said.
Michael Napper raced out to sea to reach the man and his daughter.(ABC News: Eric Tlozek)
"By the time I got to him he was underwater and the next thing he was floating, and that's when I grabbed him by the trousers and turned him over and got him above the water.
The man was pulled unconscious from the water along with his distressed daughter with the help of other beachgoers.
"I don't call myself a hero," Mr Napper said.
"I think I could've got to them sooner and I'm sorry I haven't."
Despite CPR attempts by members of the public and paramedics, the father could not be revived.
Surf Life Saving SA's Daniel Willetts said there had been four coastal drownings in six weeks in South Australia.
He cautioned against using inflatable toys offshore.
"Already today we have seen two incidents of that nature today and that has resulted in the assistance of emergency services. So we urge people, do not take your pool toys to the beach," Mr Willetts said.
"If you find yourself in a sudden offshore wind, you'll be swept out to sea and you'll find yourself in difficulty."
He urged people to be extra cautious in the coming weeks.
"With the hot weather coming and school holidays … the beaches are going to be busier … please swim between the flags, swim at a patrolled area".
READ MORE : https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-01-20/seaton-man-drowns-rescuing-daughter-at-grange-beach/100771000
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