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The Dictionary of Sydney
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Type
Disaster

Disaster

Type - Disaster

Black Sunday surf rescue 1938

Coogee Beach surf rescue 1911

Hawkesbury River flood 1867

Jun 1867

Maroubra Beach surf rescue 1944

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Disaster

Black Sunday surf rescue 1938

Mass surf rescue at Bondi Beach on Sunday 6 February 1938 after a backwash swept away a sandbank, carrying more than 200 people into deep water. Five people died and 35 were resuscitated by life savers, with hundreds more assisted.

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Coogee Beach surf rescue 1911

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Surf rescue attempt made by Harold Baker and James Clarken. The two men repeatedly plunged into heavy seas to rescue several people (variously reported as six to 14 people), however, four lives were lost. Baker noted that he and Clarken spotted several people in distress, and he jumped in the water fully clothed while Clarken followed with a life-line. Both men received medals from Royal Humane Society and 800 pounds was raised for their reward as well as 200 pounds for the relatives of those who had drowned.

Hawkesbury River flood 1867

Flood which destroyed property and livestock from Pitt Town to Wiseman's Ferry in June 1867 when water levels rose to 19 metres above the Windsor Bridge. Twelve people from the Eather family were killed.

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Maroubra Beach surf rescue 1944

Surf rescue attempt made by William Kember who entered heavy seas without the aid of a life-line, belt or surf boat to rescue a 16 year old boy who had been carried about 400 yards out to sea. Kember supported the boy for 50 minutes and covered a distance of approximately 1,000 yards. Kember became a life member of the Maroubra Surf Club.

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