Opinion Piece

Despite constant water safety reminders, people continue to push boundaries, even during wild weather or near dangerous surf conditions. This defiance, seen all too often in the Kiama region, raises deeper questions about human psychology and the challenges of protecting people from their own actions.

The recent rescue near Kiama's Blowhole, where SES volunteers braved 90 km/h wind gusts and four metre waves to save a woman with a broken leg and her daughter, is a stark example of this phenomenon. Commander John Wall expressed disbelief at seeing individuals deliberately entering high risk areas, emphasising that even seasoned rescuers struggled against the forces of nature.

Tragically, our region has seen three water related deaths in recent months. These preventable incidents are not just statistics; they are devastating losses for families, communities, and the responders who bear the emotional toll of each tragedy. Despite public campaigns and visible warning signs, the allure of danger often wins. Why?

Psychologists suggest that risk taking behaviours stem from a combination of factors: the thrill of pushing limits, underestimating hazards, and an innate belief that "it won’t happen to me." In some cases, social media amplifies this mindset, encouraging people to capture dramatic footage, as though defying danger will make them immortal, if only in their Instagram feed.

But nature does not forgive. For every dramatic photo opportunity or fleeting moment of bravado, there are those who pay the ultimate price. And when disaster strikes, it is our emergency services, our unsung heroes, who shoulder the burden. As they risk their own lives to save others, we must ask: are we doing enough to protect them from unnecessary dangers?

Kiama Council, The Bugle, and frontline agencies tirelessly advocate for water safety, from education campaigns to upgraded infrastructure. Yet, there is no fence high enough or sign bold enough to counter human curiosity and hubris.

So how do we change the narrative? Perhaps it starts with a cultural shift - celebrating respect for nature rather than dominance over it. Teaching children that the ocean is as beautiful as it is unforgiving and acknowledging that bravery is not crossing barriers but knowing when to stop.

The challenge is not just saving people from water; it is saving them from themselves. For those who heed warnings, the beauty of our coastline remains. For those who don’t, the stakes are far too high to ignore.