Clarence Valley Independent, 10 July 2020:
Bushfires and the COVID-19 lockdown have caused a 33% decline in visitors using Clarence Valley beaches.
This significant decrease is consistent with other areas of New South Wales and is a result of severe bushfires in the spring and summer months affecting both tourist and local attendance which was then followed by COVID-19 travel restrictions and limitations on public gatherings. General manager, Ashley Lindsay explained,
“Australian Lifeguard Service figures show that during the 2019/20 season there was a total of 119,034 visitors to Clarence Valley beaches this was a decrease of 60,838 compared with the previous season.” .....
During this lifeguard season there have been 14 rescues and 8758 preventative actions which demonstrates the importance of the service,” he said.
Patrolled beaches include Bluff Beach (Iluka), Turners Beach, Main Beach and Pippi Beach in Yamba, as well as beaches in Brooms Head, Minnie Water and Wooli. In addition, a drone service has continued at Yamba providing critical data for the Department of Primary Industries regarding marine activity and surf conditions.
However, up and down the coast while bathers may be fewer in number surfers are still enjoying the waves.
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Sadly, just before 2.30pm on Saturday 11 July 2020, a young surfer was repeatedly attacked by what was believed to be a large white pointer shark at Wilsons Headland, Wooli Beach. Although his friends and other surfers pulled him from the water, the local boy died on the beach.
Clarence Valley Council, 12 July 20202:
A Sad Loss for Our Community
JOINT STATEMENT FROM CR JIM SIMMONS AND GENERAL MANAGER ASHLEY LINDSAY REGARDING THE TRAGIC DEATH OF MANI HART-DEVILLE
We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of this young man, Mani Hart-Deville.
Minnie Water is a small close-knit village and the communities of Minnie Water and Wooli will be hurting.
Those that came to Mani’s aid were local surfers who witnessed the attack and friends from the local community, with experienced lifesavers responding as well. We believe one was a life member of Yamba Surf Life Saving Club.
Mani attended school at South Grafton High, so the impact of this tragic event will reach across the Clarence Valley.
We will be doing all we can to support the community through the shock and grief. The beach was not patrolled at this time of year, but it and all beaches in the Clarence Valley Council area from Iluka to Wooli have been closed and attempts will be made, by the Surf Life Saving Service, to locate the shark over the coming days.
On behalf of council we wish to express our deepest condolences to his family, friends and the community.
STATEMENT ENDS.
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