Sydney mum dies rescuing drowning son at NSW beach

Friday, 2 January 2026 19:46

A Sydney mother is being remembered as a hero after saving her son from drowning at a beach on the NSW Mid North Coast.

Mel Austin was out for a swim on New Year's Day at Dunbogan Beach when her child became caught in a rip.

The 45-year-old tried to help him but got into trouble herself.

A Sydney mother is being remembered as a hero after saving her son from drowning at a beach on the NSW mid north coast. Mel Austin was out for a swim on New Years day at a Dunbogan Beach when her child became caught in a rip.

Her husband Joel couldn't reach them both.

He told 9News his wife was a huge part of the Berowra community and would be deeply missed by all.

The family arrived on the Mid North Coast yesterday for a holiday.

Family friend Brent Nipper said the news felt "really surreal".

"She had two young boys, she did everything for them," Nipper said.

Three people have drowned at NSW beaches in recent days, and others remain missing.

At Coogee, a search party has been trying to find Nepalese national Sushana Khadka, who was swept away after he and two friends went for a New Year's Day swim.

His friends were rescued but Khadka has still not been found.

"Tragic for the first responders to have to witness that and really tragic for the family of the young gentleman," Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steven Pearce said.

Surf Life Saving NSW has carried out more than 100 rescues since Christmas and said the three confirmed deaths were all preventable.

Their message to the public is to adhere to all closures and take keep a close eye on warnings.

Search efforts are also continuing for a 14-year-old boy who is still missing after this boat overturned at Palm Beach on New Year's Eve.

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