An 18-year-old man who drowned at Soldiers Beach on the NSW Central Coast is being remembered as a beloved member of his community. Riahne Louie Vasquez, known to friends as Chuck, died after a sandbar collapsed beneath him, creating a rip that swept him out to sea on Sunday night.
Central Coast Surf Lifesaving reports that Soldiers Beach has experienced more rips this season compared to previous years. The beach has seen two drownings in recent weeks, both occurring after patrol hours, prompting calls for improved safety measures.
Wyong MP David Harris, who patrols the beach, described the incident as devastating. He noted that the sandbar collapse in front of the surf club created a fierce rip, leading to the tragedy. Surf Lifesaving Central Coast CEO Michael Hyslop emphasized that rips are present daily, and urged swimmers to stay between the flags.
Central Coast councillor Jared Wright said additional measures, such as more signage and personal flotation devices, will be discussed at a meeting with Surf Life Saving Central Coast. The community, including Mr Vasquez's basketball team, is mourning his loss, with a minute's silence planned before a game in his memory.
