Moore River drowning: Witness details bystanders’ attempts to save man at popular camping spot

A man has died following a tragic drowning in a river north of Perth. Emergency services rushed to the scene in Moore River, in Guilderton, after reports five swimmers were in distress about 10.45am on Tuesday. The swimmers were pulled from the water by bystanders. St John WA paramedics performed CPR on a 38-year-old man after he was found unresponsive, but he could not be saved. The West Australian understands he was not local to the area. A report will be prepared for the coroner. “The other swimmers were treated at the scene by St John WA,” a police spokesperson said. A woman, aged in her 30s, was rushed to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital under lights and sirens, while another man was taken to Joondalup Health Campus under normal conditions. It is understood a second woman was also involved in the incident, but her condition is not believed to be life-threatening. Guilderton, located at the mouth of Moore River, is a popular camping destination about 85km north of Perth. One local — who wished to stay anonymous — said a family member witnessed paramedics use a defibrillator. She said kayaks were also found abandoned at the scene. “The gentleman was unable to be revived after bystanders administered CPR and the usage of a defibrillator machine by paramedics when they arrived,” she told The West Australian. “The gentleman was then covered by sheets on the shoreline.” She described the tragedy as “preventable”, adding that there were no lifeguards stationed by the river mouth. “I would note that the Guilderton foreshore is not attended to by any lifeguards,” she said. “It’s imperative to ensure that if you come there for any water activities to make sure that you are a capable swimmer, always use the correct safety equipment, like life jackets, to assist if any incidents or dangers occur. “It’s a tragic accident to say the least and I feel greatly for the family, but you need to ensure your own safety in areas like these.” The river and ocean are separated by a natural sandbar, making it a tourist hotspot for swimmers and kayakers. Tuesday’s tragedy comes less than five years after a seven-year-old girl drowned on a family outing to Moore River in December 2019.