Suprovat Sydney report: Ayat Hossain 14 (Bangladeshi background) has been remembered as a “kind soul” with a “big heart” after he tragically drowned while swimming with friends on the NSW South Coast on Wednesday. Ayat, a Year 8 student at Malek Fahd Islamic School in Greenacre, was enjoying the final days of his school holidays at Werri Lagoon near Gerringong when the incident occurred.

15^th January 2025 at around 5:15 PM, Ayat was swimming with two friends, aged 16 and 18, when they encountered difficulty in the water. Passers-by saw the group in distress, and while the two older boys were able to make it to shore on their own, Ayat was brought to the shore by a lifeguard, unresponsive. Despite the efforts of emergency services, Ayat was unable to be revived and was declared dead at the scene.

Ayat’s friends have described him as a “kind soul” who touched everyone around him with his big heart. His family, devastated by the loss, was seen speaking with police and comforting one another at the scene. Two surviving teenagers were assessed by paramedics but did not require further medical attention.

The incident occurred in an area of the lagoon that is not patrolled by lifeguards, and local authorities have called for increased awareness of beach safety. In a statement, Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald expressed condolences to the family and loved ones, urging both locals and visitors to be mindful of swim conditions and safety guidelines.

“We strongly encourage everyone to swim only in patrolled areas, stay between the flags, and follow lifeguard instructions,” Mayor McDonald said. “This tragic event underscores the need for urgent action in water safety education, particularly for multicultural communities. We believe it’s time for a targeted education program to ensure all Australians have the knowledge and skills to stay safe at our beaches.”

The tragic incident marks the third drowning at Kiama’s beaches this season, prompting calls for immediate measures to improve public awareness and prevent further fatalities. NSW Police have launched an investigation into the incident, and a report will be prepared for the coroner. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Recently, there has been a growing concern in the Bangladeshi community with individuals of all ages tragically drowning. Suprovat Sydney recognizes the urgency of this issue and believes that stronger awareness is crucial. It is essential for us to rally together as a community and wake up to the emotional impact this has on our families. The Australian government is also prepared to take proactive steps and initiatives to address this critical problem.