Surf life-saving officials are under fire tonight over the death of a 14-year-old boy at the Australian championships.
Matthew Barclay is the third person to drown in the event’s history and the lawyer for a Sydney teenager who died there two years ago says organisers should be charged with manslaughter.
19-year-old Saxon Bird died two years ago while competing in the same event, in rough conditions.
The family of Saxon Bird says little seems to have been learnt since his death in 2010.
Saxon Bird’s sister spoke this morning. “We were just so shocked when we heard the news. It’s so sad for Matt’s family, and we know how it feels.”
Police found the body of 14-year-old Matthew Barclay who went missing during competition at Kurrawa Beach yesterday afternoon.
He disappeared after being knocked off his board at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships at about 4pm on Wednesday.
A surf life saver on the beach confirmed the body had been found.
An aerial, ground and water search involving police, Surf Life Saving and the Westpac helicopter began at first light this morning.
Following formal identification procedures, police will prepare a report for the coroner.
It’s the third death at the event since 1996 and comes two years after 19-year-old Saxon Bird died while competing in the same event, in rough conditions.
The family of Saxon Bird says little seems to have been learnt since his death in 2010.
Saxon Bird’s sister spoke this morning. “We were just so shocked when we heard the news. It’s so sad for Matt’s family, and we know how it feels.”
SURF BOAT COMPETITORS COP CRITICISM AFTER COLLIDING WITH SURFERS
