Home Australia Family day out at popular Canberra river turns fatal as young man dies after tragic drowning

Family day out at popular Canberra river turns fatal as young man dies after tragic drowning

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Body of missing swimmer found in Murrumbidgee River

A swimmer has been found drowned in a river in the Australian Capital Territory following a large-scale search effort.

The 23-year-old man disappeared while swimming at the Uriarra Crossing on the Murrumbidgee River, near Canberra, about 5.30pm on Thursday.

It is understood he had been there with family and friends.

Emergency crews were called after the man fell into the water near the bridge and was unable to surface.

A land, air and water search was carried out involving ACT Policing, AFP Search and Rescue, ACT Fire & Rescue, the Toll Southcare helicopter and the SES.

Body of missing swimmer found in Murrumbidgee River

A full-scale search for the man (pictured) was carried out on Thursday afternoon.

A large-scale search for the man (pictured) was carried out on Thursday afternoon

Several agencies including ACT Fire & Rescue and SES attended the scene.

Several agencies including ACT Fire & Rescue and SES attended the scene.

An officer walks the Murrumbidgee River from the bank on Thursday afternoon.

An officer walks the Murrumbidgee River from the bank on Thursday afternoon.

Unfortunately, the man’s body was found in the water around 8:35 p.m.

Anyone who witnessed the incident and has not already spoken to police is asked to contact ACT Policing on 131 444. Please quote reference 7668984.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

The Toll Southcare helicopter was also called to the search.

The Toll Southcare helicopter was also called to the search.

Officers located the man's body around 8:35 p.m. on Thursday night.

Officers located the man’s body around 8:35 p.m. on Thursday night.

The man had jumped into the water from the Cruce de Uriarra bridge (in the photo)

The man had jumped into the water from the Cruce de Uriarra bridge (in the photo)

Searchers are looking for any sign of the swimmer from the bridge outside Canberra.

Searchers are looking for any sign of the swimmer from the bridge outside Canberra.

The river is full of rocks and debris. They will prepare a report on how the man drowned

The river is full of rocks and debris. They will prepare a report on how the man drowned

ACT PARKS SAFETY TIPS

Tell someone before you go and avoid going alone.

Tell a responsible person where you are going, when you plan to return, and what to do if you are late.

Always closely supervise children in or near water.

Know your limits: Consider your swimming ability and stamina before visiting our waterways. If you are unsure, stay safe by staying away from the water’s edge.

Understand the dangers: Never enter water during times of flooding.

The depth of water in rivers and lakes can change suddenly, rocks and logs may be hidden beneath the surface, surfaces may be slippery, and currents may be stronger than they appear.

Enter the water carefully and avoid diving around rocks or submerged logs,

Check weather conditions and be prepared for changes regardless of the forecast.

Source: ACT Parks

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