A teenage boy suffered a back injury after jumping into the Warriewood blowhole, prompting a swift rescue effort by lifesavers and paramedics.
Incident Details
The 17-year-old was with friends at the Warriewood blowhole on the afternoon of 4 January 2025 when he mistimed a jump from 10 to 12 metres. Witnesses said the boy struck rocks during his descent before landing in the water. While he resurfaced immediately, he complained of severe back pain.
Friends of the injured boy helped him stay afloat and raised the alarm with lifesavers patrolling nearby Warriewood Beach. Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) patrol members responded quickly, deploying an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) and a rescue board due to concerns about a potential spinal injury.
Photo Credit: JTFL/YouTube
Rescue Operation
Lifesavers carefully placed the boy onto a rescue board in the water to prevent further injury. He was transported to Warriewood Beach just after 4:15 p.m. and provided first aid by patrol members while awaiting medical assistance.
Paramedics from Mona Vale Ambulance Station, along with an NSW Ambulance Inspector, assessed the boy’s condition on the sand. Although he showed no signs of head or neck injuries and retained movement in his arms and legs, his back pain was described as intense. He was treated for a possible spinal injury and precautions were taken against potential internal injuries before he was transported to Royal North Shore Hospital in a stable condition.
Warnings from Lifesavers
SLSNSW Duty Officer Rod McGibbon commended the lifesavers’ rapid response but stressed the dangers of jumping into the Warriewood blowhole. He explained that the activity, often viewed as a thrill-seeking challenge, carries significant risks, particularly mid-tide when conditions can lead to accidents like this one.
Lifesavers regularly warn visitors about the hazards of jumping at the blowhole. McGibbon urged the community to prioritise safety and avoid activities that could result in serious injuries.
Published 9-Jan-2025
