A teenager has been transported to hospital after he was knocked down by a wave at the breakwall on Sunday morning. Emergency crews, including an ambulance, were called to the breakwall at Wollongong Harbour just after 10:30am on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Upon arriving at the scene, paramedics were told that an 18-year-old man had been knocked off his feet by a wave. As a result, the teenager fell and hit his head, triggering a medical episode. The teenager was then taken to Wollongong Hospital in a stable condition.
Large Swells Reported
While local surface waters appeared calm, the Bureau of Meteorology reported a massive three-metre easterly swell, generated by distant weather systems. A warning for the Illawarra coast reads: "Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as crossing bars by boat and rock fishing."
Emergency services at the Wollongong Harbour breakwall on May 24 were pictured by Robert Peet. Large swells at the breakwall were also captured in photographs.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by seemingly calm waters, as large swells can unexpectedly impact coastal areas. Authorities urge beachgoers and fishermen to exercise caution and heed warnings.
