Lucky Bay search: Water Police searching for missing male days after elderly man drowns in Shark Bay

A string of water tragedies has hit WA with a marine search underway for a missing person near Kalbarri only days after an elderly man drowned in WA’s north. The West Australian understands police received a triple-0 call after a male became distressed in waters off Lucky Bay in Yallabatharra about 3.20pm on Tuesday. A police spokeswoman said water police were conducting a search of the coastline, which is about 30km south of Kalbarri. “Currently, jet skis are searching in the ocean, ATVs are search(ing) along the beach and a local plane is conducting an aerial search,” she said. It is understood authorities have been told the missing person may have been bodyboarding in the ocean before he disappeared into the water. Police are expected to provide an update on Wednesday morning. The desperate search comes after a 73-year-old man drowned in Shark Bay on Easter Sunday. St John WA paramedics desperately tried to save the elderly man after he was pulled from waters about 12.30pm. Police said he could not be revived. A report into his death is being prepared for the coroner. Royal Life Saving Society WA chief executive Peter Leaversuch told The West he was “deeply saddened” by the latest water incidents. “These incidents, along with the alarming number of drowning deaths recorded nationally over the Easter long weekend, highlight the urgent need for water safety to remain a priority for everyone,” he said. “They are a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong around the water — whether at the beach, river or backyard pool. No matter your age or swimming ability, water safety must always be front of mind. “We urge everyone to take simple precautions to keep themselves, their families and their friends safe around the water: wear a life jackets, supervise children and avoid swimming alone. These actions can and will save lives.” Mr Leaversuch said “broader support and investment” was needed to ensure everyone could develop swim skills. “We can’t always rely on someone being there to help, which is why personal ability in the water matters so much,” he said. “Teaching people to swim and survive is a vital part of building personal resilience and community safety.” Six people drowned in NSW over the Easter holiday period, including a nine-year-old boy who became stuck between rocks near the shoreline of South West Rocks on Sunday. And in Victoria, a man drowned after being swept off rocks at a beach about 125km south east of Melbourne on Friday morning. The man’s wife and friend were also swept into the water, but managed to survive.